§ MR. STEVENSON (Suffolk, Eye)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action, if any, has been taken by Her Majesty's Government for the purpose of raising funds to enable the Repatriation Commission in Crete to rebuild the ruined Christian and Moslem villages which suffered in 1896–97, and thereby meeting a need to the urgency of which Sir Herbert Chermside has borne testimony?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. ST. JOHN BRODBIOK,) Surrey, GuildfordHer Majesty's Government do not consider that they can properly undertake single-handed to contribute funds for the rebuilding of the villages; but they have stated that they are ready to take part in any well-considered scheme for assistance by the four Powers jointly towards this object.
§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I wish to ask the right honourable Gentleman whether the Government will not take the initiative in proposing to the Powers the advance of a sufficient sum to enable this most necessary repatriation to take place?
§ [No Reply.]
§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETTWill the right honourable Gentleman not answer that?
§ MR. MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)He is not allowed to answer. You have forgotten the new rule.
§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETTI will ask the Question on Thursday.