HL Deb 25 May 1971 vol 319 cc941-2

2.41 p.m.

LORD COLYTON

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what consular facilities exist for United Kingdom citizens in Commonwealth countries and in the Republic of Ireland.]

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, whilst, strictly speaking, there are no British consuls in Commonwealth countries, facilities of a consular nature are available to United Kingdom nationals in Commonwealth countries and in the Republic of Ireland, with the exception of certain functions of a technical or legal nature, such as the administration of oaths and services to merchant shipping.

LORD COLYTON

My Lords, I have the feeling that the present situation is a hangover, in a sense, from our Imperial past. I wonder whether Her Majesty's Government are really satisfied that the present arrangements for the numerous requirements of United Kingdom citizens in the Commonwealth, including such matters as my noble friend has men- tioned, and for marriage and matters of that sort, are entirely satisfactory. I have here a copy of the Diplomatic List, which includes a large number of details of consulates, consular districts, and so on, in foreign countries, but hardly a word about consular facilities in Commonwealth countries. Is there not really a case for the introduction of a fully-fledged consular system throughout the whole Commonwealth?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government are of the opinion that adequate local facilities exist for the performance of the majority of the matters to which the noble Lord refers. I would only say that consuls and Deputy High Commissioners are, of course, not lawyers and therefore would riot be able to undertake the duties which my noble friend has in mind.