HC Deb 03 July 1950 vol 477 cc26-7
49. Mr. Follick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in deference to the wishes of the people of Minorca, he will consider the re-establishment of an honorary Vice-Consulate at Mahon.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Davies)

The Vice-Consulate at Port Mahon, Minorca, was closed in 1946 as the importance of the post had declined and the cost of its maintenance was no longer justified. It is not proposed to re-open the post at present.

Mr. Follick

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a very strong pro-British community in Minorca, and that they feel hurt at the closing of this Vice-Consulate, especially as it would cost the Treasury nothing to re-establish it?

Mr. Davies

I regret it if the very small British community at Port Mahon feel hurt about this matter. It is a very small Colony indeed. We do not feel justified in having an honorary Vice-Consul there, which does involve us in certain administrative expenses.

Mr. Follick

I did not say "British Colony" I said "pro-British community."