HC Deb 24 May 1950 vol 475 cc2036-7
12. Mott-Radclyffe

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in how many of the consular posts overseas, the British consul-general is the only consular official who is obliged to accommodate himself and his family in a hotel, in the absence of any private residence being available.

Mr. Ernest Davies

I have no information about the residential arrangements of foreign consular officers at posts overseas.

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

Would the hon. Gentleman agree that if in any particular consular post only the British consul had accommodation at a hotel, it would give a thoroughly undesirable impression?

Mr. Davies

I cannot altogether accept that, because I do not consider that the prestige and dignity of His Majesty's consuls abroad depends upon the houses which they occupy.

13. Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the reasons which prevent H.M. Consuls-General in Salonica and Seville from obtaining private residences for themselves and their families; and for how long it is anticipated that they will be obliged to continue living in hotels.

Mr. Ernest Davies

The Consul-General at Salonica is waiting for a house to be redecorated and repaired. The Consul-General at Seville has now obtained a private residence.