§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)asked the Under Secretary of State for 153 Foreign Affairs, Whether any engagement, contingent or otherwise, was entered into by Her Majesty's Government with Italy or with, any other Foreign Power last year which has not been made known to the House; and, if so, whether he will lay upon the Table of the House any Despatches relating to or entering into such engagement or engagements?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)In answer to the hon. Member's Question, I have to say that no engagement pledging the material action of this country has been entered into by Her Majesty's Government which is not known to this House.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREWill the right hon. Gentleman explain the difference between "action" and "material action?"
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONWell, an engagement of material action implies military responsibility.