§ 48. Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERasked the Prime Minister when the Government propose to sign a naval treaty as a result of the London Naval Conference; whether he will state the terms of the treaty to this House before it is signed; and whether an early day will be arranged for this House to discuss the treaty?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is proposed to sign the Naval Treaty on Wednesday of this week. I am unable 875 to communicate the terms of the Treaty to the House before it is signed, but the text will be published and a White Paper issued to the House within a few hours of signature. If there is a general desire for a debate, the Government will of course give careful consideration to such representations.
§ Mr. ALEXANDERDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it is treating the House with a good deal of disrespect to sign an important treaty of this kind without the terms being indicated beforehand to the House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think that the right hon. Gentleman will find many precedents.
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, a great deal.