HL Deb 12 December 1922 vol 52 cc357-8
VISCOUNT GREY OF FALLODON

My Lords, I should like to ask the noble Marquess whether it is the intention of the Government to make any statement in this House, and I suppose also in the House of Commons, before Parliament rises, with regard to the adjournment of the Conference of Prime Ministers, of which we have news in the Press to-day.

THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)

My Lords, I understand that a statement will be made in the House of Commons, and if your Lordships wish it that statement shall, of course, be read here.

VISCOUNT GREY OF FALLODON

Can you tell us on which day?

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

I think it is on Thursday.

THE EARL OF BIRKENHEAD

My Lords, I understand that a statement has been made in another place by the Prime Minister to the effect that no discussion will be practicable on the subject in the House of Commons, and I do not know whether the noble Marquess can inform us if it would be unwelcome to the Government that discussion should take place in this House. No one, I think, would be desirous of initiating such a discussion if we were assured by the Government that in their judgment it would be disadvantageous to the interests of this country or to the interests of the Entente, but at the same time we cannot, of course, shut our eves to the fact that very grave decisions are impending; that obviously the desired unanimity has not up to the present proved to be attainable; that postponement has taken place till January 2; and that, very grave decisions may be reached on January 2. I should be glad to know, either to-day or to-morrow, or on Thursday, whether, before the decisions and the commitments are taken on January 2, in relation to topics so important as, for instance, the occupation of the Ruhr, in the opinion of the Government discussion could usefully take place in this House.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

I think it is quite obvious that no discussion—no unrestricted discussion—could take place without considerable public disadvantage, but as to whether there should be discussion at all is largely in your Lordships' hands. If the noble and learned Earl will allow me, I will endeavour to answer to-morrow.

THE EARL OF BIRKENHEAD

May I put down a Question for to-morrow?

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

If you please.