HC Deb 14 January 1918 vol 101 c6
5. Mr. P. A. HARRIS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give an undertaking that no treaty will be signed with a foreign Power before its terms are made known to Parliament; and whether he has considered the precedent of the American Constitution and the possibility of submitting to Parliament for ratification any treaty of first-class importance?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)

The subject raised by my hon. Friend's question involves a very grave constitutional change; and I fear cannot be dealt with by question and answer.