HC Deb 04 March 1925 vol 181 cc403-5
6. Mr. MORRIS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of the Allies to hear representatives of the German Government before laying down in a new note the conditions precedent to the evacuation of the Cologne zone?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

This is a matter which must be determined in due course by the Allied Governments in consultation.

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman what is the view of the British Government on this matter?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think there are one or two other questions on the Paper to which I shall give the same answer, and, as regards that, if there is anything to be said on this subject, I think it will be better said in the Debate to-morrow than at Question time to-day.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very favourable statement was made on this matter in another place yesterday?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, sir, I am aware of Lord Curzon's statement in another place; it was made, naturally, after consultation with me.

Captain BENN

Is there any reason why statements made in another place should not be given in answer to questions?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I hope the hon. and gallant Gentleman will not take offence at my answer. I really think it will be for the convenience of the House, as we are to have a Debate on Foreign Affairs to-morrow, that. I should be allowed to deal with some of those matters then, rather than that I should attempt to deal with them under cross-examination.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Does the right. hon. Gentleman think it right, that the House of Lords, or the other place, as you are pleased to call it, should be better informed on these matters than we are here?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. I am anxious to give this House whatever information I can. Perhaps I may be permitted to add that it would have been greatly to my convenience if we could have had our Debate in this House on the same day as the Debate in the House of Lords, instead of the latter being en the day immediately preceding that on which I have to answer these questions.