HC Deb 13 April 1960 vol 621 cc1248-9
12. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Her Majesty's Ambassador in Paris is described in official documents issued by the Embassy as Ambassadeur de l' Angleterre; in how many other posts the Ambassador is similarly described; and whether he will instruct all representatives abroad to use the expression United Kingdom, or its translated equivalent, in their official style.

Mr. R. Allan

I have made inquiries about this, and, as far as I can discover, no official documents issued by the Embassy describe Her Majesty's Ambassador in Paris as Ambassadeur de l' Angleterre.

He, like all other of Her Majesty's representatives abroad, use in their official style the expression "Ambassador for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" or its translated equivalent.

I have, however, ascertained that on his personal invitation cards printed in French at his own expense, Her Majesty's Ambassador in Paris has been using, in accordance with a long-established local tradition, the expression Ambassadeur d'Angleterre.

Mr. Woodbnm

Is the Minister not aware that there are other parts of the United Kingdom that have long connections with France? So far as Scotland is concerned, if the Government wish their Ambassador to be described as Ambassadeur de l'Angleterre they might arrange for an Ambassadeur d'Ecosse. I am willing to volunteer for that. I think that it is very bad for the education of people abroad that this kind of description should be used. My attention was called to this matter by visiting Members of Parliament from France last week. They were surprised and I was surprised, and I hope that other embassies will have their attention called to this matter so that the description can be accurate to show that this is an educated country.

Mr. Allan

Being a Scot myself. I am aware of the earlier points made by the right hon. Gentleman. I will draw my right hon. and learned Friend's attention to this point. Although he is an Englishman, he had a Scottish education and therefore is well fitted to judge in this matter.