§ 44. Viscount SANDONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the statement of the retiring High Commissioner in Iraq as to the difficulties of some conflicting interests in the dual position of that post and consul-general being held by one man, the two offices will be separated?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)My right hon. Friend is not satisfied that there is any present need for the separation of the two offices to which the Noble Lord refers.
§ Viscount SANDONDoes not this mean that the right hon. Gentleman is in conflict with the British High Commissioner?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORENo. This suggestion is a matter for consideration, but it would obviously involve the creation of a new office at considerable expense to the taxpayer and it is not considered desirable at present.
§ Viscount SANDONDoes it work out as an expense when it is a question of benefiting our trade?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI do not think that that arises. The High Commissioner in Bagdad can exercise the functions of consul-general in that place.
§ Captain CAZALETAre not our merchants at a disadvantage as compared with the merchants of other countries who have consular representatives in that country?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe High Commissioner always has held this office, and he is in a position to he consulted on trade matters like any other consul-general.