§ SIR SEYMOUR KING (Hull, Central)To ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the interests involved, and the anxiety which has been excited by the announcement that a correspondence is proceeding between the British and Russian Governments on the subject of the opening of Russian relations with Afghanistan, he can give the House an assurance that no definite arrangement will be entered into with Russia before Parliament has had an opportunity of discussing its terms.
1310 (Answered by Lord Cranborne.) The question to which my hon. friend calls attention is undoubtedly a matter of much interest to the public, but it is a rule without exception that assurances such as he seeks should not be given, and to break it in this case would, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, not be for the public advantage.