§ 16. Sir M. CONWAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the suspension of the consular service for Bruges can be reconsidered in view of the large number of British visitors to this town, and of the fact that the Zeebrugge port business for a new British line of steamers is done at the Bruges office; and whether, in view of the importance of Bruges as a consular centre before the War, when Bruges had approximately 2,000 British residents, this decision may be held in suspense?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME (Secretary, Department of Overseas Trade)The decision to close the British Vice-Consulate at Bruges was taken after the fullest consideration of the British interests involved, and in pursuance of the policy of effecting every possible economy compatible with efficiency. I am satisfied that no serious inconvenience should be caused to British interests by the suppression of the post.