HC Deb 25 January 1954 vol 522 c1438
15. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many people are employed at the British Legation in Manila; and how many of these deal with British commercial and financial questions.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

In addition to Her Majesty's Minister, who is, of course, responsible for the commercial as well as other aspects of the work of Her Majesty's Legation, there are normally five Foreign Service officers at Manila, of whom two are primarily engaged in dealing with commercial and financial questions.

Mr. Teeling

In view of the fact that from the British Government's point of view the Legation has practically nothing to do in the Philippines except to try to get back money due to this country, which the Treasury is always telling us it is trying very hard to get, does not my hon. Friend think that a greater effort could be made by the Foreign Office to try to help the people in this country who are in considerable debt through being unable to get this money?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I can assure my hon. Friend that Her Majesty's representatives are doing everything possible to ensure this result.