asked the Prime Minister what are the special expenses incurred in connection with the Anglo-Soviet Conference; how many temporary appointments have been made for the duration of the Conference; and what are the salaries of the persons so employed?

Two temporary appointments have been made for the duration of the Conference. The salary in one case is at the rate of £400 a year plus bonus (approximately £568 in all), and in the other case £12 a week. Both of the officers appointed have a fluent knowledge of Russian, which is required for the purposes of the Conference business, and are well acquainted with the questions under discussion. In addition, some small expenses, not exceeding £15, were incurred in connection with the preparation of verbatim reports of the first plenary meeting of the Conference.

When does the right hon. Gentleman think the results of the Conference will be published?

I have questions covering that point later on.

asked the Prime Minister if the negotiations with the representatives of the Russian Government have made any progress; and if he will make a statement on the present position?

Progress is being made with the negotiations, but I cannot yet foresee when I shall be able to make an announcement to the House.

Are we to understand from the reply that the negotiations are to be kept secret until a later stage?

No, the negotiations are to go on as negotiations until we are in a position to state something of substance.

Are we to understand from that reply that no progress of substance has been made?

No, I hope that the House will understand that these negotiations must be conducted in exactly the same way as any other negotiations.

Are we to understand from that that the Government still believe in secret diplomacy?