§ 11. Mr. ROSEasked what progress has been made in the reform of the conditions of appointment to the Consular Service, so as to secure its recruitment from persons of greater acquaintance with economic, industrial, commercial, and labour matters, and also the better training for their duties of the persons selected for appointment?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND (Department of Overseas Trade)The whole question has been thoroughly investigated both personally and by Committees appointed to inquire into special points. A comprehensive scheme of reform dealing with the whole conditions of the salaried Consular Service, including the points mentioned by the hon. Member, is in the hands of the printer, and will be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration within the next few days.
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Consular Service propose to limit their appointments to British-born subjects?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe salaried Consular Service has been limited to British-born subjects of British-born parents, and it will be so in the future.