§ 8. Sir H. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present difference in status between a British ambassador and a British minister in foreign countries.
§ Mr. NuttingA 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. WilliamsHaving 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. NuttingThat 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.