HC Deb 13 July 1938 vol 338 cc1313-5
45. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that, if the date when the Anglo-Italian Agreement is to be brought into force has not been determined before this House rises for the Summer Recess, it will not be brought into force until after the House reassembles and has discussed the matter?

46. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Prime Minister whether it is his intention to consult the House prior to informing the Italian Government that it considers the requirements have been fulfilled which enable the instruments in the annex of the Anglo-Italian Treaty to be brought into force?

The Prime Minister

I cannot give such an assurance in the hypothetical circumstances contemplated by the hon. and gallant Member. As I informed him on Monday last, there will be an opportunity for further discussion by the House when the date of entry into force of the instruments in question has been determined. I can give no assurance that any earlier Debate will be arranged.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Is it not very desirable that the House should discuss this agreement before it is brought into force, in view of the fact that it is an agreement based upon a phrase about a settlement in Spain which has never been defined and which the Prime Minister has consistently refused to elucidate?

The Prime Minister

I do not disagree with that view at all, but I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman will see that it would be rather difficult for me to give an unqualified assurance at this moment in circumstances which I cannot foresee. It might be that it would be necessary to call the House together again to consider the matter.

Mr. G. Strauss

Is it not plain that it would be useless for the House to discuss this agreement after the date had been determined, and that if the House is to discuss the matter with any possibility of expressing its view, it should be before the determination of the date?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that is so at all. If the House takes a different view from that of the Government, of course it can make its view known.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Is it to be understood from the reply of the right hon. Gentleman that he does not exclude from his consideration the possibility of calling the House together to discuss this agreement before the date is settled?

The Prime Minister

No, I do not exclude it.