HC Deb 27 November 1912 vol 44 c1250
25. Major ARCHER-SHEE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the cost of the Consular service in the years 1891–2 and 1911–12, respectively, and what was the approximate total value of the trade of the British Empire with foreign countries in the years 1891 and 1911 respectively?

The UNDER - SECRETARY for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)

The total expenditure on the Consular service in 1891–92 was £284,607; in 1911–12 it was £415,079. As regards the second part of the question, the total value of the exports of the British Empire to foreign countries amounted approximately to £323,000,000 in 1891 and to £623,000,000 in 1911. The imports from foreign countries into the British Empire may be stated to have been approximately worth £418,000,000 in 1891. and £733,000,000 in 1911.

26. Major ARCHER-SHEE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can lay upon the Table the Report of the Departmental Committee which recently sat to investigate questions relating to the Consular service?

Mr. ACLAND

The Report will form the subject of communications between the Foreign Office and Treasury, and it is not proposed to lay anything at present.