HC Deb 28 May 1930 vol 239 c1269
5. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if it is the policy of the Government to unify the diplomatic, consular, and commercial diplomatic services, as has been done in Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, and the United States of America?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

No such policy is at present under consideration by His Majesty's Government. But, as my hon. Friend informed the hon. Member in reply to a question on the 14th of May, transfers between these services are made from time to time when they are considered to be in the public interest.

Mr. MANDER

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think the time has come to abolish this survival from olden times?

Mr. HENDERSON

No, I do not think the time has arrived yet.

Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that there would have been a great saving through the unifying of the Services?

Mr. DAY

Was not the Service instituted originally by the Liberals?