§ 29. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the British Consular representative at Geneva refuses to accept English money in payment of Consular fees, and requires payment in Swiss currency at the old parity of 25 francs to the £, which necessitates an expenditure of approximately 30s. in payment for a stamp marked £1; and whether this has the approval of the British Government?
§ Mr. EDENI am aware of the position stated and it has the approval of His Majesty's Government. Under the terms of Note 5 to the Consular Fee Table, which forms a part of the Consular Fees Order-in-Council (No. 1) of 1921 and has the force of law, British currency, except gold coin, may not be accepted in payment of Consular fees; and, if these fees are collected in local currency, the currency equivalent of the sterling fees must be calculated at a rate not lower than the par rate of exchange.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs a similar practice adopted in cases where the currency is at a discount? Surely, it is very unfair that a person should have to pay thirty shillings for a one pound stamp in a country where there is appreciation of 553 currency as compared with the £ and not have the benefit in a country where the £ is at a discount?