§ 7. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Royal Calpe Hunt is to resume its hunting activities in Spanish territory adjacent to Gibraltar by permission of General Franco; whether he authorised the application made to General Franco for such permission; and whether he proposes to take action to prevent any British subjects entering Spanish territory in present circumstances for the purpose of hunting?
§ Viscount CranborneI understand that no information has been received from the Governor of Gibraltar on this subject, but inquiries will be made as to the position. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise, and I fear that I cannot answer the third part until I am in possession of the facts.
§ Mr. HendersonIn that case is the statement which appears in the "Times" incorrect?
§ Viscount CranborneI have already said that I am asking for the facts. I must say that I do not see much wrong in people going to hunt.
§ Mr. W. AstorDoes not the Noble Lord think that it is preferable to encourage hunting in Spain rather than shooting?
§ Mr. HendersonIs it necessary for any British subject entering Spain to have a visa?
§ Viscount CranborneThat is a question of detail about which I should like to have notice.
§ Mr. Garro JonesDoes the Noble Lord think that it is appropriate that this hunt should take place under obligations to a 374 general who is responsible for so much bombing and killing?
§ 8. Mr. Thurtleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to state who the British agents will be in the territory occupied by General Franco?
§ Viscount CranborneNo, Sir, but my right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make an announcement at an early date.
§ Mr. ThurtleIs the Noble Lord aware that already cables have been received in Spain stating who this representative is, and why are the Foreign Office not able to give information on a matter which is known to the Press?
§ Viscount CranborneThe hon. Member appears to accept without reserve any statement which he reads in the Press, but it is advisable not to do that. We will make an announcement at the earliest possible moment.
§ Mr. ShinwellDo we understand from the answer that Sir Robert II [...] has not been appointed?
§ Viscount CranborneThe hon. Member must not understand anything more than is stated in the answer.
Sir Nairne Stewart SandemanCan the Noble Lord say when an announcement of the appointment will be made?
§ Viscount CranborneAt the earliest possible moment.
§ Mr. ThorneWhy are you not prepared to tell the truth?
§ 13. Mr. Thurtleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what part of the Mediterranean is now being patrolled by Italian naval forces under the Nyon agreement?
§ Viscount CranborneThe hon. Member will appreciate that the information for which he asks is of a technical character. I regret that His Majesty's Government do not feel it possible to give details of zones allotted to one signatory unless and until a joint decision to publish the entire arrangement has been reached.
§ Mr. ThurtleWould the Noble Lord say whether agreement cannot be reached to publish the whole of the arrangements in order that we may see where the Italian and other vessels are operating?
§ Viscount CranborneI will certainly bring the suggestion of the hon. Member to the notice of my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. ManderDoes the Noble Lord not know that the full details of the exact zone have been published in the Press; cannot we therefore have official information?
§ Viscount CranborneI have noticed that certain descriptions have been published in the Italian Press, but I am not aware that there has been any agreement reached between the signatories as regards publication?
§ Colonel WedgwoodWho is responsible for the sinking—
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is a separate question.