§ 53. Sir S. HOAREasked the Prime Minister whether the Report of Lord Cave's Committee upon the Relations of the Diplomatic and Consular Services will be published; if so, when; and whether the Committee has been considering the question of the amalgamation of the Consular and Diplomatic Services?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWLord Cave's Committee has not yet reported, but will do so immediately. In the meantime, as I stated in answer to a question on the 5th June, steps are now being taken to carry out a complete reorganisation of the Consular Service.
§ Sir S. HOAREWould the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question—"Whether the Committee has been considering the question of the amalgamation of the Consular and Diplomatic Services"?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think the working of them generally is, at all events, being considered, but I am not sure as to the amalgamation.
§ Sir F. LOWEIs this being done in connection with the Oversea Trading Depart- 1592 ment set up some time ago? The arrangement then adopted was supposed the solution of this difficult problem. I should like to know whether that solution has been a success, as it affects the question of dealing with the whole thing?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe reason of setting up this Committee was to inquire into the whole working of the Consular and Oversea Trading Department—that was the object—
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYes; but I cannot say anything more until we have got the Report.
§ Sir F. LOWEAs a matter of fact, the Oversea Trading Department at present is not supposed to have been quite a success. Is that so?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWEverything in this world is relative.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYWill the reorganisation of the whole Consular Service be proceeded with before an opportunity has been given to study the Report of the Committee, which may recommend the amalgamation of the Consular and Diplomatic Services?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, Sir; but there are certain parts of the reorganisation of the staff—I explained in the Debate here—that can be, and are now being, taken in hand.