HC Deb 16 April 1930 vol 237 cc2904-5
8. Mr. MARJORIBANKS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes at any stage to consult the Italian Government as to the treaty with Egypt?

Mr. DALTON

No, Sir. But if the Italian Government wish to submit comments on the Treaty with Egypt in so far as it concerns the position of their nationals, I have no doubt that they will do so.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

is the Under-Secretary aware that the statement of the Foreign Secretary might be construed, and has been construed, as a direct invitation to the Italian Government to intervene in Egypt in favour of Italian interests; and, as the Italian Government are directly concerned in this a matter to the extent of 50,000 Italians in Egypt, will he consult the Italian Government?

HON. MEMBERS

Speech

Mr. DALTON

I doubt whether the Italian Government need the assistance of the hon. Member in order to carry out its duty.

Earl WINTERTON

A most impertinent answer.

Mr. SKELTON

If it is necessary for the Under-Secretary to have communications with the Italian Government, will he treat them a little more courteously than he treats hon. Members in this House.

Mr. CHURCHILL

I wish to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government propose to-morrow to make any announcement to the House on the subject of the Egyptian negotiations?

Mr. SNOWDEN

There is a question on the Paper for to-morrow in the name of the right hon. Gentleman, and the Secretary of State will be present, and hopes that he may then be in a position to make some statement.