HC Deb 15 December 1948 vol 459 cc1215-6
59. Lord John Hope

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the extent of dollar saving expected to result from the closing down of the British consulate in Buffalo.

Mr. Bevin

The expected saving is 13,000 dollars per annum.

Lord John Hope

May I ask the Secretary of State if he is aware that in the opinion of the United States authorities in Buffalo the shortage of dollar exchange will be shortened still further by His Majesty's Government's decision to close this important consulate; and in view of the exceptional consternation caused in Buffalo over the decision, will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter again and, if possible, reverse the decision, as it is most important?

Mr. Bevin

Not in relation to Buffalo, but I am looking into the whole question of the consular organisation itself and am seeking to improve it generally.