§ 17. Sir C. CAYZERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has reviewed the negotiations carried on by his predecessor with the Chinese Government with a view to arriving at an agreed surrender of our extra-territorial rights in China in the light of the facts revealed by the Thorburn case; and whether he can now state the intentions of the Government on the question of extra-territoriality?
§ Sir J. SIMONAs my hon. Friend was informed on the 23rd November, very careful consideration is being given to the question of extra-territoriality. I fear that I am not yet able to make any statement to the House.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEWill my right hon. Friend undertake that we shall have an opportunity of considering the matter before the House is in any way committed to a definite agreement?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe matter is under consideration, and I do not think that I can give a further answer at present.