asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the question of breaking off diplomatic relations with the Soviet Government is now under the consideration of His Majesty's Government?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

No, Sir. This step has not been proposed to His Majesty's Government, but the course of events is being closely watched by me.

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman declared on Monday that the circumstances were critical and dangerous, does he not think the House should have further information as to the course of events?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

The House has, I think, as much information as I can give it. I do not know in particular what information the hon. Gentleman has in mind.

Would the House be informed before any such step was taken?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

That is the question I answered the other day.

In view of the statement in some of the newspapers to-day to the effect that all the information necessary for the severance of relations is in the hands of the Foreign Office, will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether that statement is correct, and, if not, will he contradict it?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

I attach no meaning to a statement that all the information necessary to the severance of diplomatic relations is in our possession. I say that no proposal for the severance of diplomatic relations is under consideration by His Majesty's Government. If I may explain the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Gentleman a moment ago, I said the other day that His Majesty's Government must retain their liberty of action, but if there should be any change in their policy I will make the earliest possible announcement to the House.

Is it the deliberate judgment of the Government that it is safer to consider such proposals when the House has risen and is not meeting any more?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

There is no foundation for the insinuation contained in the question.

In the event of a statement having to be made to the House later on, would it be made in a form which will admit of discussion?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

How am I to answer a hypothetical question as to the form in which a statement will be made which at present I have no intention of making? It is always open to the right hon. Gentleman to ask the Leader of the House for an opportunity for a discussion, if he thinks one is desirable.

May I ask the Prime Minister, in the event of such an announcement being made, will the House be given an opportunity of discussing it?

Yes, certainly.