Mr. DOYLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many persons of foreign birth have been appointed as British consuls or were on the staff of such officials during the past year; and whether such posts are competitive, or upon whom such selections are dependent?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEAppointments to the salaried consular service are confined to persons of British birth and descent and are made by competitive examination of candidates who have previously satisfied a Board of Selection as to their general suitability for the consular service. During the year ended 31st December, 1921. 11 persons of foreign birth were appointed to the unsalaried consular service. Appointments to the unsalaried consular service are authorised by the Secretary of State on the recommendation of the superintending consular officer in whose district the vacancy occurs. No foreigner is ever appointed if a suitable British subject is available. I am unable to give figures as regards consular clerical and sub- 1553W ordinate staffs, the selection of which is left to the consular officers themselves, but no ex-enemy alien may hold such appointments.