§ 2. Mr. BAIRDasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has ascertained whether there is any ground of suspicion as to the loyalty or competence of the British Consul at Dunkirk?
§ Lord ROBERT CECILI have inquired into the charges made against His Majesty's Consul at Dunkirk and find that they are entirely baseless. Mr. Sarell has rendered most valuable services to His Majesty's Government for which he has been officially thanked. I am glad to have this opportunity of stating that the Secretary of State has the most complete confidence in Mr. Sarell's loyalty and competence. Perhaps I may be allowed to add that the hon. Member for West Toxteth, who originally gave currency to statements of an opposite character, desires me to say that he fully accepts what I have just said about Mr. Sarell, and that he desires to express his regret for any pain or annoyance which he may have caused to that gentleman. My hon. Friend is, unfortunately, somewhat seriously indisposed and is peremptorily forbidden by his doctor to leave his house, or he would have been personally present to say this for himself.