§ 4. Colonel YATEasked what prospect, now that the Report by the commercial attaché at St. Petersburg has been received, there is of the recommendations made by the British Chamber of Commerce, regarding the raising of the status of the Consulate at St. Petersburg to that of Consulate-General, and the increasing of the number of salaried officials there, being carried into effect?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe matter is receiving attention, but its proper consideration must necessarily take time, and no decision has yet been arrived at.
§ Colonel YATEMay I ask when a decision is likely to be arrived at? The matter now has been put forward some time by the chamber of commerce.
§ Mr. ACLANDWe have received very voluminous and other reports on the subject of the position of the Consular Service in Russia, and we certainly intend to improve it; but, of course, we shall have to act in consultation of the Treasury, and I can assure the hon. Member no time will be lost. It is a most important subject.
§ Colonel YATEMay I ask whether St. Petersburg will be taken into consideration?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe position at St. Petersburg and Moscow is one of the most important questions that arises in the report we have received.