Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL:

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government contemplate coming to some arrangement, if possible, with the Allies and other Governments which are affected by revolutionary Communist propaganda, with the object of adopting concerted measures to put a stop to seditious activities?

No, Sir. The circumstances of different countries vary so much that it must be left to each country to take the measures appropriate to the defence of society in its own sphere.

Sir F. HALL:

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that these intrigues are eating into the vitals of industry at the present time?[Interruption.]

Sir F. HALL:

asked the Prime Minister whether the statements made by the Secretary of State for India and the Attorney-General on the 27th June as to the intention of the Government to take action to put a stop to the Bolshevist intrigues against this country and against British interests in China and elsewhere were made with the authority of the Government; and if he will state what practical steps will be taken to give effect to these intentions?

The speeches of my two colleagues were, of course, made with a full sense of the obligations of Cabinet responsibility, though they are, perhaps, rather inadequately summarised within the limits imposed by Parliamentary practice on the question of my hon. and gallant Friend. The Government are watching the situation, and will take from time to time whatever measures are required to protect British interests.

Does that mean that the Secretary of State accepts the statement that Bolshevist intrigues—presumably meaning Russian intrigues—are responsible for the present disorders in China?

I think I have already answered a question on that subject in this House, and I refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the answer which I gave.

On a point of Order. The right hon. Gentleman mentioned a certain nation, but gave no nearer indication than that. I would like to ask him if he accepts the statement that it is presumably Russian action?

I deliberately refrained from mentioning any particular nation, but said that foreign influence was being used to foment trouble. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman persists, I will say that I meant Soviet influence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to appoint a Select Committee of this House to inquire into the development of scarlet fever amongst his supporters?