HC Deb 05 July 1920 vol 131 cc1021-3
81. Mr. W. SMITH

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement as to the political situation in Italy?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Anarchist forces have certainly been at work in Italy trying to provoke a general revolutionary movement. They have, however, failed at Ancona, the only place where they had persuaded a small number of troops to join them. Order has been restored there with the assistance of the same regiment. The moderate Socialists in Italy are opposed to these violent methods, and the Government appears to have the country behind it in its firm but conciliatory attitude.

Mr. BILLING

When was the latest bulletin received from Italy? Was there anything fresh to-day or yesterday?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I do not think there has been anything definite showing any change since the answer to this question was drafted.

Mr. BILLING

Is there any information which tends to support the answer which has just been read to the House?

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

On a point of Order. Is it desirable that these questions concerning foreign Governments, over which we have no control, should be asked?

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

That is for Members to judge. The question on the Paper is a proper one as to the information in the hands of the Government.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Are you aware that Mr. Speaker was not willing to allow a discussion—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]—as to whether the League of Nations was going to take action in regard to Poland—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]—which obviously was—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

That was a different matter from a question of mere information. That was a question in which Mr. Speaker intervened as a criticism of the internal matters of another country. This is a question here of whether there is any information in the Foreign Office.

Mr. BILLING

Is it not a fact that if this question were disallowed it would be impossible for any hon. Member of this House to raise any other matter except something regarding Surbiton or Tooting?

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

I have not disallowed the question.

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