HC Deb 25 May 1922 vol 154 cc1566-8

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."—[Colonel Leslie Wilson.]

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I was prevented from saying what I desired to say a few moments ago, and I propose to say it now. I am very glad the Secretary of State for War found a few words to say in appreciation of the very great effort made by the Italian Government to make a success of the Genoa Conference. I was there for a day or two, and everyone I met was high in their praises of the very fine arrangements, the very generous hospitality, and the general atmosphere of good will and welcome which prevailed in that beautiful Mediterranean town. When the Government take over three hours for their spokesmen in a one-day Debate on a matter of this importance, the least they can do is to give the Opposition a. chance of stating their case. After all, we are continually told this is not a party matter, that Genoa was a Conference at which our delegates spoke for the nation, but as long as that atmosphere is created and maintained by the Government I, for one, am prepared to support them. On the whole matter of Genoa, I think I can sum up the impressions of this Debate in one sentence. When you see a man putting out a fire, even if he has helped originally to set the building alight, it is just as well to help and support him, but do not forget to make the reckoning afterwards. Who has been responsible for the state of affairs in Europe that has needed the Genoa Conference? The present Govern-ment—

Notice taken that 40 Members were not present; House Counted, and 40 Members not being present

The House was adjourned at Twenty Minutes after Eleven of the Clock till To-morrow (Friday).