HC Deb 14 July 1924 vol 176 cc18-9
48. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many deputies there are in the Iraq Constituent Assembly; how many of these deputies voted for the ratification of the Anglo-Iraq Treaty; whether a rider was added to the Treaty with reference to Mosul; what were its terms; and when it is proposed to bring the Treaty before Parliament for discussion?

Mr. THOMAS

The number of deputies elected to the Constituent Assembly was 110. Sixty-nine deputies were present when the Vote on the Treaty was taken: 36 voted for acceptance, while nine abstained from voting. The Assembly attached a rider in the following terms to its acceptance of the Treaty: This treaty and its subsidiary agreements shall become null and void if the British Government fail to safeguard the rights of Iraq in the Mosul vilayet in their entirety. With regard to the last part of the question, I hope shortly to be able to give a date.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why so few deputies were present during a discussion of this important matter?

Mr. THOMAS

I was not there.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Surely the right hon. Gentleman is seised of the facts, and that it is very important to have a substantial minority present.

Lieut.-Colonel T. WILLIAMS

Is there any truth in the rumour that the opposition were locked out?

Mr. THOMAS

If they were, it was not by instruction from this side. As regards the first supplementary question, of course, I am seised of the facts. There are very important questions discussed in this House when few Members are present. It is impossible to give an explanation.

Back to
Forward to