10. Mr. J. J. Davidsonasked the Prime Minister whether he intends to fix a date by which the conditions preceding the ratification of the British-Italian agreement must be in operation?
§ The Prime MinisterHis Majesty's Government have repeatedly stated that they are not in a position to give full effect to this agreement, which is not made subject to ratification, until they can regard the Spanish question as settled. At the same time, as I stated in this House on 22nd June, His Majesty's Government are anxious to see the agreement brought into force at the earliest possible date consistent with the fulfilment of the above-mentioned condition.
Mr. DavidsonDoes not the Prime Minister think that the procedure of the Non-Intervention Committee has reached the stage at which a definite date can now be fixed, and does he not further think that fixing such a date would hasten the withdrawal of troops and the procedure of ratification, so that this agreement can come into operation?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir; I do not think either of those things.