§ Mr. ADAMSONI desire to ask the Leader of the House if he is now in a position to answer the question which I put yesterday as to whether it is possible for the Government to take the debate on the future of Constantinople at an earlier date than Monday next?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has arranged with his colleagues at the Conference so that the discussion can take place on Thursday. This will, therefore, be done.
§ Sir D. MACLEANMay I ask what course the discussion will take? Will it be opened by the Prime Minister?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat would not seem to me to be a reasonable course. The House knows the decision of the Conference has taken, and it seems to me the better plan would be for those who object to it to state their case.
§ Sir D. MACLEANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the difficulties under which those who are not members of the Government labour in the discussion of a matter so complex and delicate as this?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI can understand the motive of my right hon. Friend, but if the difficulties were so great I should have thought the moral was to leave it to the Peace Delegates.
§ Mr. J. H. THOMASCan the right hon. Gentleman inform the House what is the decision of the Conference?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe decision was stated clearly by me in this House when I gave the exact words of the message sent to Admiral de Robeck in Constantinople.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHow long will be given to this discussion? Will it begin after questions or at a quarter past eight?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt will begin immediately after questions on Thursday. The form must depend on my right hon. Friends opposite. If they take no steps in the way of putting down a Motion, we shall then move the Adjournment.