§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALD (by Private Notice)May I ask the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make about what happened at Geneva this morning?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir. I have no information myself about what happened this morning beyond what has been made public.
§ Mr. MacDONALDMay I further ask, in view of the necessity for a Debate on this subject without delay, whether it would be convenient for the Government to have a Debate arranged for the beginning of next week; or what would be the earliest date on which it would be possible for us to discuss the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will communicate with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. I should doubt very much the possibility of having a statement from him before Wednesday, but I am quite sure he will be as desirous as any hon. Members in this House to make that statement at the earliest convenient time.
§ Mr. MacDONALDMay we take it, provisionally, that it will be Wednesday, as arrangements may have to be made for other things?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may we take it that the Foreign Secretary will return immediately to England? In that case, I hope it will be possible to have a Debate before Wednesday. I understand that there is a Vote on Account to be taken on Monday.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI was not expecting these questions, and I have no knowledge as to when the Foreign Secretary will be returning. I think it only fair to remember that he has had an extremely difficult and searching time, and I am sure if it be possible for him to he back say, on Sunday, the House would feel it not unreasonable that he should have a day or two to rest before what would be undoubtedly a difficult and trying occasion.