§ 61. Sir N. MOOREasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that the remuneration received by many of the Consuls and Vice-Consuls in South America is totally inadequate to secure the services of men having commercial experience; and whether he will inquire into this matter?
§ Colonel Sir HAMAR GREENWOOD (Additional Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs)I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the details circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT yesterday, and to the new rates of pay and allowances for the Consular Service.
§ Sir N. MOOREIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the agents of other countries are actively engaged in securing trade for these countries, and that our representatives are handicapped from the fact that they have no funds placed at their disposal to enable them to carry out the functions which they are supposed to carry out?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am aware of all these matters, and many others that are relevant, but it is for this House of Commons to increase the salaries of the Consular Service, and not for me.