HC Deb 22 February 1933 vol 274 cc1735-7
Mr. LANSBURY

May I ask the Prime Minister whether arrangements can be made for the Adjournment of the House to be moved to-morrow at an hour early enough to enable a Debate to take place on the situation in the Far East?

The PRIME MINISTER

I understand that the hon. Member for the Hartlepools (Mr. Gritten) is raising the subject of the fishing industry on the Adjournment of the House to-morrow, but I have no doubt that arrangements can be made through the usual channels for a discussion of the Far East situation at the beginning of next week.

Mr. LANSBURY

Of course, if the arrangements are made for to-morrow one has no comment to make, and we must accept them. With regard to the hostilities in the Far East, I should like to ask whether before Monday, which is the earliest day we can debate it, the Prime Minister, or someone on behalf of the Government, will make a public statement as to the Government's policy in regard to sending armaments and other help to the people who are fighting in the Far East? It is a question of an embargo on armaments.

The PRIME MINISTER

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary answered a question yesterday on that subject. The situation changes almost from hour to hour. At present, as far as I can see, and I think I am very well informed, the Debate on Monday will certainly serve all useful purposes which the right hon. Gentleman has in mind, but, if any statement is required to be made, the Government will certainly take an opportunity of making it in the House of Commons.

Mr. LANSBURY

We will, of course, in the usual way make arrangements for Monday, but I am anxious about what is going to happen during the next few days. What we want to press on the Government is that they should declare their policy as soon as possible, and we hope that they will do so long before Sunday.

The PRIME MINISTER

As I said, the situation changes from hour to hour. I understand that the most important and definite thing is with reference to the export of arms. Upon that a statement was made yesterday, and that is a continuing situation.

Mr. LANSBURY

I do not know whether the Prime Minister was in the House yesterday, but the only statement which the House could gather was that the Government were considering the matter and would be willing in certain circumstances to act. The newspapers tell us that all kinds of ship loads are going out, and that old ships are being bought and broken up for the production of shot and shell. What we are anxious about is that this should not go on for another three days. We want the Government to make up their mind.

The PRIME MINISTER

As a matter of fact, the Government have made up their mind. They have made up their mind that this must be the subject of an international agreement. The Government are doing everything they can to ascertain whether that international agreement is possible.

Sir P. HARRIS

While agreement is being arranged, cannot the Government give a lead to their own nationals in connection with trade orders for munitions?

Mr. LANSBURY

May we ask for an answer? The question is what our own Government will do in the matter with regard to our own country, whether other people do it or not. I want to know for what we are responsible.

The PRIME MINISTER

I am afraid that if the right hon. Gentleman were in the Government he would not take that view. The Government's view is that this matter must be settled as quickly as possible, but by international agreement.

Mr. MAXTON

Does that mean that the British nation has completely put all control of this matter out of its own hands, and can take no action of any kind except what is dictated by the League of Nations?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is not so, and to allege that it is so is most unfair.

Mr. MAXTON

I am not alleging, but asking a question.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Will the Government initiate a movement at Geneva for the purpose of securing in the minimum space of time such a policy as would be approved by almost every person in this country?

The PRIME MINISTER

These questions only repeat each other. The statement made by the Foreign Secretary yesterday is the statement that represents the present situation, within which action is being taken on the lines of the Foreign Secretary's statement.

Mr. MAXTON

In the meantime we all send arms.