MIDDLE EAST (DEBATE).

HC Deb 20 June 1921 vol 143 cc890-2

54. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Lord Privy Seal when he will give another day for the continuance of the Debate on the Middle East Department?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I hope that it may be possible to allocate a Supply Day in the course of next week to the Colonial Office Vote in order that this discussion may be resumed. I would, however, suggest that, if this course is followed, it would probably meet the general convenience of the House if the discussion on the Middle East Department came to an end by about 6 o'clock, so that there may be an opportunity for a general discussion on other matters arising out of the Colonial Office Vote.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great many Members wish, on this particular Supply Day, to discuss the question of Southern Rhodesia, arising out of Lord Buxton's Report, and also the future of Northern Rhodesia?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

And East Africa?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It was proposed to finish the discussion on the Middle East on the first day, but a desire was expressed by representatives of influential sections of opinion that the discussion should be resumed on a later day, and I endeavoured to make an arrangement, which is summarised in the answer I have given, which would both meet the desire of those who wish to resume for a short time the discussion on the Middle East and give an opportunity of discussing other matters germane to the Vote.

Mr. HOGGE

Is it not a fact that that has already been agreed, and is it not further agreed that my right hon. Friend proposes to extend the time from 11 till 12 on that Supply day, in order to meet the wishes of those Members who desire to discuss other Colonial Office points?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir, on the understanding that we sit not later than 12. I am prepared to do that in order to give a little more time for discussion, and we propose beginning with the resumed discussion on the Middle Eastern Vote. That was the arrangement come to between the two sides of the House.

Sir J. D. REES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one feature of Debates on the Middle East is the exclusion of middle-aged experts from the East?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I console myself by the thought that those hon. Gentlemen find other opportunities of making their voices heard.

Earl WINTERTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether some of these matters ought not to form the subject of a separate Debate? For example, the position of Southern Rhodesia, in view of the great importance of the whole future of Rhodesia, is scarcely a Colonial Office question. Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the making of that the subject of a separate Debate?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

As soon as I attempt to find an opportunity for discussion, my Noble Friend, or some other Member, asks that some other subject may be introduced. There is not unlimited time at our disposal. It rests, of course, not with me, but with the Chairman of Committees, whom he shall call, and the subject first taken depends upon who it is that the Chairman calls. I thought that the subject which has been indicated as the one upon which it was immediately desired to have a discussion was the East African question.