§ Sir R. THOMASasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what proportion of His Majesty's Consuls abroad have had a business training; and whether all Consuls upon appointment are given instructions to do their utmost to foster British trade?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONAs regards the first part of the question, I regret that I have not sufficient data on which to base a reply; general economics is, however, a compulsory subject for the examination for the salaried branch of His Majesty's Consular Service. As regards the second part of the question, all consular officers are instructed to do their utmost to foster British trade, and the efficiency with which commercial duties are performed is an important factor in the consideration of officers for promotion.