HC Deb 20 April 1931 vol 251 c593
34. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Minister in China has any instructions to sign an agreement of any kind with the Chinese Government; and, if so, whether he will communicate to the House the nature of his instructions?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

As the House is already aware, His Majesty's Minister in China is engaged in negotiations for a modification in the extra-territorial privileges enjoyed by British subjects in China. The negotiations are still in progress. No instructions to sign have yet been sent to Sir M. Lampson since no agreement has yet been reached.

Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that no agreement of any kind will be signed until this House has had an opportunity of considering the terms?

Mr. HENDERSON

I am afraid that I cannot give the undertaking. This matter has been in negotiation for a very long period, and His Majesty's Government at the right time will have to take the responsibility.