§ SIR EDWARD SASSOON (Hythe)I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether he will, in the public interest, afford the House some opportunity of discussing the Report of the Radiotelegraphic Committee, in view of its importance to the defence and commerce of the Empire.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI do not think I can alter the decision I have announced to the House on this subject.
§ SIR EDWARD SASSOONasked whether the public interest would not be serve by giving the opportunity for discussion.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANIt is a matter of opinion. The Committee was not appointed on the motion of the Government; it was appointed to 931 please my hon. friend, and he has had his Committee.
§ MR. FORSTER (Kent, Sevenoaks)asked if it was the intention of the Government to deal with a matter of such grave financial importance without affording the House the opportunity of discussion.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANWe proceed upon our own discretion and responsibility in the matter, and we are supported by the Report of the Committee.
§ MR. GWYNN (Galway)asked if the right hon. Gentleman was aware of the fact that the Committee, with the exception of his own official supporters, demanded a rediscussion, in view of facts made public for the first time.
SIR GILBERT PARKERreminded the Prime Minister of the evidence accumulated, and asked if there was any intention to advise a revision of the Convention.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANWe propose to ratify the Convention upon our responsibility and taking our view of the situation.