§ Sir EDWARD SASSOON (Hythe)asked the Prime Minister whether he was aware of the report in the public Press of the rumoured ratification of the Radio-Telegraphic Convention by His Majesty's Government, whether he would say how far it was correct, and whether, in view of the importance of the subject to the defence and commerce of the Empire, he was now in a position definitely to fix a sitting for the discussion of the bearing of the Report.
§ The PRIME MINISTER and FIRST LORD of the TREASURY (Sir H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN,) Stirling BurghsI have not seen the report referred to. The ratification has not taken place, and I can only repeat my previous statement that no further time will be given for the discussion of the matter.
§ SIR EDWARD SASSOONIn consequence of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I beg to ask leave to move the adjournment of the House to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance—namely, the Report of the Select Committee on the Radio-Telegraphic Convention, and the declared intention of His Majesty's Government to proceed to ratification without affording the House an opportunity of discussion on the subject.
And, the pleasure of the House being signified, the Motion stood over, under Standing Order No. 10, until a quarter past eight this evening.