DR. RUTHERFORD (Middlesex, Brentford)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the new Council of State, composed of members nominated by the Shah, is the Shah's substitute for a parliament elected by the people; and whether he can say what action His Majesty's Government propose taking.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI cannot add to the Answer which I gave on Tuesday as to the intentions of the Shah. As to any action which we have taken, and the principles by which I wish to be guided in the matter, I must refer to the Answer which I gave to a Supplementary Question asked by the hon. Member for South Donegal, on November 26th.
§ MR. LYNCH (Yorkshire, W.R., Ripon)Is it not the fact that an arrangement was made on the 14th March, by the Russian Government with the Shah of Persia as to the summoning of a parliament freely elected by the people.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI have answered several Questions as to representations made to Persia, and I think it very undesirable that these Questions should be put without notice.
§ MR. LYNCHasked whether the Council of State was to be convoked or a parliament freely elected. The Question he had put to the right hon. Gentleman—
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order. Notice must be given. The hon. Member is now lecturing the right hon. Gentleman.