§ 34. Sir ARTHUR FELLasked the Prime Minister if the removal of the Government veto on the construction of the Channel Tunnel will form one of the subjects for discussion at the next meeting with Monsieur Poincare, having regard to the great importance attached to the question both in France and England, as well as in Italy and Belgium, and the effect it would have on the depressed trade of Western Europe?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that such discussion would be useful at present. The whole of the time at our disposal will be required for the discussion of other urgent questions.
§ Sir A. FELLMay I ask if half an hour cannot be found for the discussion of a subject which is so entirely approved by the Chambers of Commerce both of France and England?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid that half an hour will not settle a question which has been under discussion for at least a generation, and upon which there is undoubtedly a sharp division of opinion, and even military opinion at the moment is hostile to it.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSHas this subject been discussed recently by the Committee of Imperial Defence?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNot recently, I think.