§ 23. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can specify those provinces of China where the Central Government now exercise effective control?
Mr. A. HENDERSONThe term "effective control" is so difficult to define that I fear I cannot undertake to specify the districts in which it is exercised. I can only say that, apart from certain changing from time to time occupied by insurgents, the authority of the Central Government is acknowledged throughout the whole of China.
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONWill the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will not sacrifice further any of our extra-territorial rights where the Chinese Government do not exercise substantial and effective control?
Mr. HENDERSONThe whole question of extra-territorial rights is under negotiation, and, until the negotiations are complete, I am not in a position to add anything to what I have said.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEWill the House have an opportunity of hearing the facts upon which the right hon. Gentleman himself is satisfied before an agreement is entered into?
Mr. HENDERSONI have no reason to withhold information on this question from the House, but I cannot say anything until the negotiations are completed.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEWhat I am asking is whether we will have an opportunity of discussing the question.