§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN by Private Noticeasked the Deputy-Leader of the House whether his attention has been called to the fact that the reply of the British Government to the Council of the League of Nations on the subject of the pact of mutual guarantee has already been published in certain enterprising newspapers, whether his attention 1316 has been called to the fact that the reply has not yet been made available to Members of this House and when we may expect it, and how does it come about that before it has been laid on the table of this House it has been published in the press.
§ Mr. CLYNESMy right hon. Friend was able to give me notice of this question only 20 minutes ago and I regret that, although I have endeavoured to obtain information, I have not been able to secure the material to enable me to answer, but I will at once inquire into the matter and see that the House is supplied with it.
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINIs the right hon. Gentleman in a position now to say definitely whether the Government will publish the reply of the Dominion Governments at the same time. I observe that the reply of the Canadian Government appears in the same organs of the Press and I think we ought to have it.
§ Mr. CLYNESI understand that on that point the Prime Minister has made a statement, and I can only represent to the Prime Minister the views expressed to me in the right hon. Gentleman's question.
§ Mr. BECKERCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this information leaks out from any known sources? Does it come from the Overseas Trade Department?
§ Mr. J. HARRISIs it not a fact that Sir Eric Drummond gave it out in Geneva, last week?