§ 48 Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister (1) whether he has considered the method of Ministers dealing with vital public matters by sending communications of a private character; whether this practice, shown by the Mesopotamia Commission Report to be dangerous, is being continued; whether he can announce a break with the past practice in this connection; (2) whether any person whose action has come under the strictures of the Mesopotamia Commission has resigned or has been called on to submit reasons why his services should not be dispensed with; (3) whether the War Cabinet intends to leave the position of persons censured in the Report of the Mesopotamia Commission unchanged until the House has debated the Report next week?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think that these questions can best be dealt with in the Debate.
§ Mr. KINGAs a matter of fact does not this practice relate to a great many other things besides the Indian Government and the Mesopotamia Commission, and in view of the fact that it is a general practice with other Departments will the Government consider the matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am not aware that it is in other Departments. We should certainly consider it if it were.
§ Mr. KINGIs it not a fact in the Foreign Office, and what about Lord Hardinge's letter to Sir George Buchanan?