HC Deb 07 August 1925 vol 187 cc1708-9
17. Mr. ALBERY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the importance of foreign trade, he will consider the desirability of introducing into his Department such a measure of reorganisation as will make the commercial side of the service in status at least equal to that of the diplomatic side?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Ronald McNeill)

I do not think such a reorganisation as the hon. Member suggests is practicable.

Mr. ALBERY

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us some assurance that this question will be considered, in view of the fact that there is no duty of His Majesty's representatives abroad of such importance as that of assisting British trade?

Mr. McNEILL

The question has been very carefully considered already.