asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what countries are represented at the Conference on Near Eastern Peace now being held at Lausanne?

My hon. Friend would refer the hon. Member to the reply which he gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on 18th April. All the Powers invited to send delegates to the Conference have done so.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman think that a settlement can possibly be reached if one of the Powers chiefly interested, namely, Russia, is not a consenting party?

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.

Without making any reflection on the hon. and gallant Gentleman, may I ask how it is that he is attempting to answer these questions and why the Under-Secretary is not present?

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary is fulfilling a very important engagement at one of the Embassies, and he hopes that the courtesy of the House will be extended to him in the circumstances.

I quite accept that explanation, of course.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to make any statement with regard to the progress of the negotiations at Lausanne?

My hon. Friend regrets that he cannot, at the present stage, add anything to the statements which are appearing daily in the Press.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give me any information as to the attitude of France and the statement in the Press as to the military precautions to be taken in connection with Turkey?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question on the Paper.