11. Major GEORGE PEELasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether before the War Great Britain had 1,000 Consuls of whom 900 were Germans; whether there are now fifty-seven Consuls who are Germans; and, if not, whether he will state the correct figures?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND (Department of Overseas Trade)I am obliged to my hon. Friend for calling my attention to these figures, which are entirely erroneous. In 1913 there were 1,120 British Consular officers. Of these, 311 were in the salaried service and were, therefore, British subjects. Of the remaining 809 unsalaried officers, 454 were British subjects and 355 of foreign nationality. Of the 355 officers of foreign nationality, 37 were Germans and 13 Austro-Hungarians. On the outbreak of war the appointments of those Consular officers who were of enemy nationality ceased automatically, and there are at present no Consular officers of enemy nationality in the service.
§ Mr. PRINGLEHow many of these British subjects were naturalised Germans?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI think I gave most of that information in the House a short while ago, but if my hon. Friend wishes to know, and puts down a question, I shall be glad to give it.
§ Mr. A. P. WHYTEMay I ask whether the undertaking given by the Home Secretary in the Debate on enemy alien policy covers all those who are employed in the Consular Service, and the right hon. Gentleman's Department, too?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDPerhaps on that my hon. Friend will put a question down to the Foreign Secretary.