§ Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to take any steps for the re-arrangement of the diplomatic and consular service, so that British commercial interests should receive more active support from British legations in foreign countries than they have done in the past?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. McKinnon Wood)I am afraid that I do not understand the first suggestion contained in the question; and I do not admit the second suggestion. If the hon. Member will give me a specific case of want of proper support, it shall be enquired into.
§ Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHSThe question was put with a view to seeing in what way our commercial position with foreign countries—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is entitled to ask a question, but not to make any statement.
§ Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (1) if he had any information as to an intention of the German Government to appoint technical advisers to their diplomatic service abroad; and, if so, whether he would consider the advisability of making similar appointments in the interests of British trade, and (2) if he would prepare for discussion at the Imperial Conference the question of the appointment of technical advisers to be attached to British legations abroad in the interests of the trade of the British Empire?
§ Mr. CROFTasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, whether his attention had been called to the determination of Germany to employ trade diplomatists in foreign capitals; and whether it is proposed to make similar appointments at the British Embassies and Legations?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI would point out to hon. Members that there are at present six Commercial Attaches for Europe, one for Japan, and one for China. Moreover, certain of the Dominions already possess their own trade agents. It is therefore not proposed to submit this question to the Imperial Conference.