47. Commander OLIVER LOCKERLAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether he can grant a day before Christmas for the discussion of the Russian State's influence in relation to the troubles in China?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn view of the fact that His Majesty's new Minister to China has just reached that country, and is making a personal investigation of the situation as it presents itself in various parts of the country, I think that such a Debate would be prejudicial at the present time.
Commander LOCKER-LAMPSONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman exactly what further injuries and insults this country must suffer before we take action—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must not make a speech in the form of a question.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he thinks the recent speech delivered by the right hon. Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George) is very helpful?
§ Mr. TAYLORDoes the Prime Minister not think the relations at present existing between Britain and Russia are sufficiently important to warrant a day being given to their discussion before Christmas?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat rather begs the question, as far as my answer goes. My answer said that, in the view of the Government, a Debate would be prejudicial while our new Minister is meeting with various leaders in China—in Hankow and other places—so as to enable him to report. I quite agree that it is a subject worthy of discussion in this House, but the present moment I think would be inopportune.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should think I may promise that with safety.