HC Deb 13 December 1912 vol 45 cc960-1W
Major ARCHER-SHEE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the total external trade of the British Empire has risen from £741,000,000 in 1891 to an estimated total of £1,356,000,000 in 1911, and in view of the enhanced and increasing importance of the Dominions of the Empire, he will consider the desirability of reconstructing the whole system of Consular representation and of inviting all the Dominions to co-operate in a greatly enlarged and more efficient service, especially having regard to the fact that the expenditure on the Consular service of only £415,000 a year is quite out of proportion to the trade interests involved and to the great possibilities of its expansion, forming, as it does, a charge of less than £:0003 on the value of the total trade?

Sir E. GREY

As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, by the reply to his question of the 25th ultimo, proposals are being made to the Treasury for promoting increased efficiency in the Consular service that will, if granted, meet its most pressing present requirements. The hon. and gallant Member was also informed of the arrangements which have been made with the Canadian Government to make the Consular service more useful to the trade and commerce of that Dominion, and that His Majesty's Government are prepared to consider the extension of these arrangements to the other Dominions, the Governments of which are being informed of them. It is not the policy of His Majesty's Government to ask the Dominions to make any contribution towards the cost of the Consular service.

Major ARCHER-SHEE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the amount spent by the Governments of France and Germany, respectively, upon the Consular service of their countries?

Sir E. GREY

A complete answer to this question cannot be given by reference to official documents. I have already requested His Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin to obtain a statement of the total expenditure on the German Consular service. A similar request shall be addressed to His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris.