HC Deb 09 July 1919 vol 117 cc1797-8
33. Lieut.-Colonel Sir S. HOARE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the post of Consul is now vacant in Rome; what are the present salary and allowances attached to it; and whether in making a new appointment he will consider the advisability of raising it to the rank of Consul-General, and will appoint no one but a British-born subject?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harms-worth)

The Consular post at Rome is an unsalaried Consulate carrying an office allowance of £520 a year plus £100 a year allowance to the Vice-Consul, who has been in charge since the late Mr. Morgan's departure. It is not proposed to alter the status of the post, but a British subject will be selected as successor to Mr. Morgan, provided a suitable and well-qualified candidate can be found willing to accept the appointment.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

May we take it that that decision is only temporary and that it will be reconsidered?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I will consider the point.

Colonel YATE

Is it not advisable that we should have a proper Consul-General in the capital of all the Great Powers?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

That matter was very carefully considered, but I will look into it.