HC Deb 07 December 1953 vol 521 cc1601-2
16. Sir H. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the appointment, with effect from 16th March, 1953, of Charles Alexander Gault as Her Majesty's Consul-General for the State of Israel was not published in the "London Gazette" until 1st December, 1953.

Mr. Nutting

Publication of consular appointments in the "London Gazette" takes place after the issue of the Queen's commission to the officer concerned. Preparation of the Queen's commission was delayed in the case of Mr. Gault because it had been decided to readjust the consular districts in Israel.

Sir H. Williams

Can my hon. Friend tell us on what date this gentleman took up his post and, also, why there was such a long delay in announcing the appointment of our new ambassador in Moscow?

Mr. Nutting

The appointment of our ambassador to Moscow does not arise on a Question about Israel. So far as I am aware, the Consul-General to Israel took up his post about March, which was the date from which his first commission dated when it was finally promulgated in the "London Gazette."

Mr. Attlee

But if this appointment was not settled until December, how did this man take up his work in March?

Mr. Nutting

He took up his work because he was appointed Consul-General to Israel, and there was then merely the question of settling for which districts in Israel he was actually responsible.