§ 14. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government have considered, or are prepared 2260 to consider, joint action between this country, the United States of America, and Germany for the solution of the financial and economic difficulties of Europe?
§ Mr. DALTONIt is the aim of His Majesty's Government to seek the widest possible measure of international cooperation for the solution of the difficulties referred to by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. MANDERDoes the hon. Gentleman not appreciate that it may be necessary to act independently of France, and is that matter under consideration by the Foreign Secretary?
§ Mr. DALTONI am not sure that that is a question which it would be helpful for me to reply to.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question cannot be asked on this question.
§ Mr. WISEWill any statement be made before the House rises as to what is the policy of the Government?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question does not arise out of the original question.
§ Mr. WISEOn a point of Order. Am I not entitled to ask a question which appears to arise directly out of the question on the Paper, namely, what the Government policy is in regard to this matter?
§ Mr. SPEAKERA private notice question on the same subject will be answered later.
§ Mr. STANLEY BALDWIN(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will be able to make any statement on the international financial situation before the House rises?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Philip Snowden)I do not think I could usefully make any statement on these matters at the present time.
§ Mr. BALDWINI appreciate what the right hon. Gentleman says, but I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that the House is about to rise until the 20th of October, and would the Government consider adopting the procedure which has 2261 been followed on several occasions in recent years under which the House, if necessary, could be summoned at any time which might be deemed to be desirable?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for his suggestion, and the Government will certainly consider it.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs there anything which prevents the Leader of the Opposition from raising this matter himself on the Appropriation Bill if he desires to do so?