§ Colonel GRETTON(by Private Notice) asked the Lord Privy Seal by whom the business of the Foreign Office is directed in the absence of the Secretary of State 726 and the Under-Secretary of State through illness? May I express my regret at the illness of these Gentlemen?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am sure that the House will sympathise with the expression of regret of my hon. and gallant Friend at the prolonged illness and suffering of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Marquess Curzon), and at what I think I may call the slight illness of the Under-Secretary (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth).
The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, although confined to his room, is attending to the business of the Department, and all papers are submitted to him in the usual way.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State is also carrying out his departmental duties, although, owing to the loss of his voice, ho is unable at present to answer questions in the House of Commons.