HC Deb 16 August 1916 vol 85 cc1868-9
Mr. R. MCNEILL

(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any agreement or convention has been signed by the President of the Board of Trade on behalf of His Majesty's Government with the Italian Government, and, if so, what are the terms, or what is the purport, of such agreement?

Lord R. CECIL

So far as I know, His Majesty's Government have only received telegraphic reports of the proceedings at Pallanza, and the substance of what has been received has been published in the Press. Beyond that I am afraid I am not in a position to go.

Mr. MCNEILL

Can the Noble Lord say when he will be in a position to make an announcement in Parliament about this?

Lord R. CECIL

I cannot say. I am afraid we must wait until we hear from the President of the Board of Trade. We do not know any more than has been published, but I can assure my hon. Friend that there will be no delay.

Mr. MCNEILL

Does the Noble Lord expect the President of the Board of Trade to telegraph what he has done before the House rises?

Lord R. CECIL

I am told that he will be back to-morrow night, and in that case he will take the burden from my shoulders and put it on his own.