HC Deb 19 March 1923 vol 161 c2068
Sir H. BRITTAIN

(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has ratified the decision of the Council of Ambassadors to hand over the Sovereignty of the Ukrainian territory of Eastern Galicia to Poland; whether he is aware of the fact that over 75 per cent. of the population of this district are of Ukrainian stock; whether this decision is in accordance with the wishes of the majority of the inhabitants, as promised by the Decree of 25th June, 1919, to which Decree England affixed her signature, and will this Decree be taken into consideration before ratification?

Mr. PRINGLE

May I call your attention to the fact, Mr. Speaker, that there is a question on this subject on the Paper to-morrow? Is it in order for hon. Members, by Private Notice, to anticipate questions which are on the Paper?

Mr. SPEAKER

If that be the case, the hon. Member has raised quite a sound point. It had escaped my notice.

Mr. PRINGLE

It is in the name of the right hon. Member for Spen Valley (Sir J. Simon).

Mr. SPEAKER

Is it the same point?

Sir J. SIMON

I think it is.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

I was quite ignorant of this question being on the Paper.

Sir J. SIMON

I accept the statement of the hon. Member.

Mr. SPEAKER

We will keep to the rules.