HC Deb 21 July 1924 vol 176 cc861-2
25. Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLAND

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that no binding treaty or engagement will be entered into with the Soviet Government, or with the Soviet delegation on their behalf, until it has been first submitted to the House of Commons?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have nothing to add to the statement I made on the 31st March in reply to the same question by the hon. Member.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on that occasion he only said he would bring before the House of Commons everything that was necessary, and was unable to give a further answer then, because at that time he could not anticipate what was going to happen, so that there was no answer to the question on the Paper?

The PRIME MINISTER

The situation remains the same, and I have promised to make a statement before the adjournment. If there is a conclusion, that will be included in the statement; if there is no conclusion, that will be explained in the statement.

Mr. MAXTON

Will the Prime Minster promise us that the policy adopted in this matter will be the same as in dealing with any other foreign country?

The PRIME MINISTER

Certainly.