HC Deb 23 March 1938 vol 333 cc1173-4
4. Mr. J. J. Davidson

asked the Prime Minister the number of Italian troops in Libya and Spain, respectively?

Mr. Butler

With regard to Libya, I have no information suggesting that the situation has changed materially since the reply given to the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on 15th November last. As regards Spain, I have nothing to add to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 28th February to my hon. Friend the Member for Middleton and Prestwich (Sir N. Stewart Sandeman).

Mr. Davidson

Does that answer mean that there has been no reduction of Italian troops in either of these areas since the inception of the British-Italian talks?

Mr. Butler

I said that the situation has not changed materially.

Sir Archibald Sinclair

Are the Government making inquiries into the official announcement by the Spanish Embassy that Italian troops in Spain have recently been reinforced?

Mr. Butler

No doubt we shall look into it.

Mr. Thorne

Do the Foreign Office receive foreign newspapers and have they seen the French rumours to the effect—

Mr. Speaker

rose—

Mr. Thorne

Well, Sir, they give all the details of the number of soldiers in Spain.

Forward to