HC Deb 19 May 1952 vol 501 c13
8. Sir H. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present difference in status between a British ambassador and a British minister in foreign countries.

Mr. Nutting

A British ambassador and a British minister abroad enjoy substantially the same privileges and immunities and have the same powers, but an ambassador has a higher precedence than a minister among his diplomatic colleagues.

Sir H. Williams

Having regard to the fact that there are now more ambassadors than ministers, would it not be a good idea to make them all ambassadors and bring an end to what is now becoming a complete farce?

Mr. Nutting

That matter does not lie entirely within the responsibility of the British Government but, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, is a matter for agreement between ourselves and any States concerned who wish the status of their missions in this country to be raised.