§ 19. Sir Ronald Rossasked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to continue the arrangement by which British diplo- 883 matic and consular officials abroad look after the interests of Eire and her citizens in those countries in which Eire has no separate representation, in view of the fact that by issuing passports in the name of the President of Eire that country has dissociated itself from the other countries of the British Commonwealth?
§ Mr. ButlerNotwithstanding the fact that Eire passports will in future be issued by the Minister for External Affairs in his own name alone, and not in the name of the King, it is not at present proposed by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to make any alteration in the arrangement under which United Kingdom diplomatic and consular officers look after the interests of Eire and citizens of Eire in those countries in which Eire has no separate diplomatic or consular representation.
§ Sir R. RossHave there been any protests from the Government of Eire that her citizens are being treated as though they were British citizens, or whether there have been any protests against their receiving benefits as if they were British citizens?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. They seem to have been gratefully received.