HC Deb 31 January 1991 vol 184 cc602-3W
Mr. Tom Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the duties of honorary consuls; and what remuneration they receive.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Under the supervision of a superintending post, honorary consuls can perform most functions of career consuls. Their main role, however, is helping and advising British nationals who find themselves in difficulty in their area.

They provide a valuable and cost-effective service in areas where there is no career post. Honorary consuls are not paid a salary. However, they may receive an honorarium of up to £1,000 per annum in acknowledgement of their services and certain office expenses.