asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if it is intended to hold a judicial inquiry into the circumstances attendant on the disturbances in Shanghai on the 30th May last; if so, whether he is in a position to make any statement as to the composition of the tribunal which it is proposed to set up and the scope of its functions; and whether, in view of the desirability of such inquiry being held as soon as possible, he will take steps to expedite its entering upon its duties at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. FOOT MITCHELL:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give the composition of the Judicial Committee which is to inquire into the recent disturbances at Shanghai: whether it will be sent out from Europe: and the date when it is expected to commence its investigations?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply given on the 22nd July to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain Benn).

Captain BENN:

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to publish the Report of the Commission which is to inquire into these matters?

I could not answer that question offhand. I rather think the question has been already answered by my right hon. Friend.

Mr. BECKETT:

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs told us last week £hat this Commission was to be set up, and does he not think that, if it is to be set up, the sooner it is set up the better it will be both in the interests of ourselves and the Chinese?

I think the hon. Member is mistaken in saying that my right hon. Friend said it was to be set up. The hon. Member must remember that communications have to pass between a number of different nations, and obviously, until an agreement has been reached between those nations, nothing can be said.

Mr. BECKETT:

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the Government are doing their best to get an impartial investigation?