HC Deb 07 June 1917 vol 94 cc324-5
50. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Prime Minister if Lord Northcliffe has been sent by the Government on a foreign mission and, if so, what is the nature of the mission; whether Lord Northcliffe has been appointed a member of the Government or the Diplomatic service; and, if not, why he has been selected to carry out an official mission?

Sir G. CAVE

I cannot add anything to the statement which was published in the Press this morning.

Mr. KING

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not Lord Northcliffe will report to the Prime Minister direct or the War Cabinet, or will he be under the auspices of the Foreign Office and come under its orders?

Sir G. CAVE

I must have notice of the question.

Mr. KING

Surely the right hon. Gentleman can answer.

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. Gentleman is answering only for the Leader of the House.

Mr. SNOWDEN

In view of the importance of the question, why is the Minister not present who can reply to it?

Mr. PRINGLE

Are we to understand now that Lord Northcliffe is a representative of the Government, that the papers which he controls will be the official organs of the Government?

Sir G. CAVE

The hon. Member (Mr. Snowden) does not know that my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House is indisposed.

Mr. KING

In view of the attitude taken by Lord Northcliffe recently towards the Foreign Secretary, Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to answer a question by Private Notice to-morrow?