43. Mr. VYVYAN ADAMSasked the Prime Minister whether he will submit to the House of Commons for approval the Naval Agreement made by the executive with Germany, instead of leaving a matter of such magnitude to be discussed on a Supply day?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)As I informed my hon. Friend on the 3rd July last, it is understood that the Opposition desire to raise this matter on one of the allotted Supply days, which I consider to be an appropriate occasion.
Mr. ADAMSMay I ask, in view of that reply, whether this House is precluded from effectively reviewing the treaty-making activities of the executive?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe position is that the ratification of such agreements is effected by the exchange of notes. The House is at perfect liberty, as always, to debate these matters, and, if the House is not satisfied with the agreement come to, it is always open to it to move a Vote of Censure. A Vote of Censure is usually moved by the leader of the Opposition.
§ Sir HERBERT SAMUELWould not the appropriate occasion to discuss this matter, not in technical detail, be when the Foreign Office Vote is debated on Thursday next?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI believe that is so, but I should not like to prejudge any reply that may be given to the limitation or extension of the Debate by Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. THORNEWould the right hon. Gentleman say whether the only people who can move a Vote of Censure are the Opposition?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, I think I safeguarded myself by using the word "usually." It is open to anybody to move one.
Mr. ADAMSWas not a precedent established some years ago by which international instruments were submitted to this House for its approval?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should like notice of that question, but I think that what I have said is perfectly correct.