asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now received a reply from the Rumanian Government to his protest against the falsification of the recent general election; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Minister of State gave to the hon. Member on 18th December last.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these elections took place on 19th November, and that it has now been proved that the opposition parties have been allowed only seven per cent. of the total representation in the chamber?

Our views on these elections have already been made plain. There is nothing I can add to them now.

Would not the appropriate action be, to send to the new Rumanian Government congratulations on this resounding victory, and expressing the hope of friendship between this Government and Rumania?

No, Sir. The elections were neither free nor fair, and make no contribution whatever to friendship between the British and Rumanian peoples.