§ 2. Mr. E. L. Mallalieuasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what payment has been made in recent years by the Government of Eire in respect of services rendered to citizens of Eire by His Majesty's Diplomatic and Consular representatives in countries and places wherein Eire had no such representatives; whether such services will continue to be rendered on request to citizens of the Republic of Eire; and will any payment be made in respect of them.
§ The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker)No payment was made in the past by the Government of Eire for the services rendered by His Majesty's Diplomatic and Consular representatives overseas to Eire citizens in countries and places where the Government of Eire had no representatives of their own. His Majesty's Government intend that, so long as the Government of the Irish Republic desire it, these services shall still be rendered, and they will not propose that any payment will be made.
§ Mr. MallalieuCould my right hon. Friend say whether any expression has been made by the Government of the Republic as to the desirability of continuing these services?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerNo, Sir. My hon. Friend's Question was the first notice Which I have had.
§ Sir Ronald RossHave the Government ever received any thanks from Eire?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI am sure that our officers frequently receive thanks from citizens of Eire.