§ 56. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with the problem of restarting trade between this country and foreign nations, the Government are alive to the fact that it is desirable to obtain the best possible men as commercial secretaries to the various British Embassies and Legations; and whether he can assure the House that the Government have no intention of Eibolishing the post of commercial secretary to the British Legation at Lisbon?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have been asked to reply to this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I regret that it is necessary, in order to reduce the total expenditure on the Commercial Diplomatic Service, to abolish the post of commercial secretary at Lisbon, but I am securing the appointment at Lisbon of a Consul, who has had experience of a commercial secretary's work, and who will, I hope, be able to a very considerable extent to perform, in addition to his Consular duties, the functions hitherto carried out by the commercial secretary.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the hon. Gentleman a ware of the consternation caused amongst traders in Portugal by the withdrawal of this distinguished public servant, who has been most useful in regard to trade between this country and Portugal?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have received a deputation of traders in regard to this matter, and have explained to them the financial exigencies of the country which compel me to dispense with his services.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWould not the money have been better spent in connection with the continuation of trade with the continent in this way than in casting millions into Austria?