HC Deb 11 November 1929 vol 231 cc1500-1
15. Captain CAZALET

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what increases, if any, there have been in the staffs of the British Embassies in Brazil and the Argentine during the last two years?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

There has been no increase in numbers at either of the Embassies referred to, but the First Secretary at Buenos Ayres has been re placed by a Counsellor, and the Commercial Secretary, Grade 1, has been raised to the rank of Commercial Counsellor.

Captain CAZALET

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that our representation is sufficient, especially on the commercial side, as compared with what other countries have?

Mr. HENDERSON

I dare say there is room for improvement on the commercial side in a good many of the countries, and we are doing our best to see that the staffs that we have give all possible attention to questions of trade.

Captain CAZALET

Has the recent commission under Lord D'Abernon made any recommendations on this matter?

Mr. HENDERSON

No, I do not recollect any definite recommendation, although I have had the matter talked over with him.

Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Is it not a fact that we have an extremely competent man in the Argentine looking after commercial affairs there?

19. Captain CROOKSHANK

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as a recognition of that country's gallant assistance during the War, it is proposed to raise to the status of an embassy the British legation in Jugo-Slavia?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

No, Sir.

37. Mr. MARKHAM

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many consuls and vice-consuls are of non-British birth or extraction; and what proportion this constitutes of the consular and vice-consular grades?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

As the answer is rather long I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFEICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

All the members of the salaried Consular Service are British-born subjects. In the unsalaried Consular Service a foreigner is only appointed in cases where no suitable British subject is available. There are 46 unsalaried Consuls: of these 41 are British, five being foreigners or naturalised British subjects. Among the 362 unsalaried vice-consuls, 321 are British subjects, the remaining 41 being foreigners or naturalised British subjects. The pro portion therefore in both grades is roughly one in nine.