§ 1. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will grant the Return standing to be moved to-day by the hon. Member for North Somerset? [Address for "Return showing what Foreign Governments, Diplomatic or Consular Representatives of Foreign Governments, or other Foreign agents have applied, since the 4th day of August, 1914, to the British Government for financial assistance or for payments other than payments for goods or services rendered or loans advanced on the security of a Foreign Power; the persons making such applications; whether granted, refused, or otherwise treated; the dates of all such applications; the amounts, with dates of payment, supplied in each case; and explanatory details referring to such applications or payments."]
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)No, Sir. I fear I cannot comply with the suggestion.
§ Mr. KINGIs it because the information is so ample or so small that the right hon. Gentleman does not think it worth while to publish it?
§ Mr. BALFOURThere are many reasons why it is not worth while. I do not think it is worth while.
§ Mr. KINGIs this part of the policy of the Foreign Office to keep every possible crumb of information away from this House that it can?
§ Mr. BALFOURI have poured out information on the hon. Gentleman.