§ 20. Captain CAZALETasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what would be the cost to the taxpayers of this country of setting up a Consul-General in Bagdad and appointing a Consul in Basra; and whether he contemplates taking any steps to establish the latter?
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I have been asked to reply. A salaried consulate was established at Basra on 7th January last. It is estimated that its annual cost will be about £3,000 a year. As regards Bagdad, I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the cost of a salaried Consulate-General. On the basis of the expenditure at Basra, it is estimated that the cost would be approximately between £3,500 and £4,000 a year.
§ Captain CAZALETIs it intended to set up unpaid consulships in Mosul and other cities in Iraq, where the state of trade demands it?
§ Mr. HACKINGI must have notice of any question of that kind.