§ 19. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British subjects interviewed the British Consul-General in Formosa last year; and whether he is satisfied that the amount of work required to be done in Formosa justifies the continuation of this post.
§ Mr. NuttingNo record is normally kept of the number of British subjects interviewed by Her Majesty's consular officers. But there are about 160 British subjects in Formosa. Her Majesty's Consul's duties include the protection of these British subjects, and of British commercial and shipping interests in Formosa, and such matters as the issue of British passports and visas.
In the period from 1st October, 1950, to 30th September, 1951, 1,718 visas were issued. I am, therefore, satisfied that the retention of the post is fully justified.
§ Mr. HughesCould the Minister tell us exactly what this mission costs? Is he aware that this is one of the objections of 1087 the Chinese Government to our Government? That is why there is not full recognition in Peking?
§ Mr. NuttingI should require notice of the question about the cost of the mission. As to the second part of that supplementary, the hon. Gentleman is the first person who has raised this objection on behalf of the Chinese Government. They have certainly not so far raised it themselves.
§ Major BeamishCould my hon. Friend say when the appointment was made?
§ Mr. NuttingNo, Sir; not without notice.
§ Major BeamishIt was when the last Government were in power, surely.