asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the present abode of Captain Best and Major Stevens, who were abducted by German police or military near the Dutch frontier; if it was on the Government's initiative that these officers were carrying peace proposals to Herr Hitler or German Government representatives; and whether he will state the nature of the proposals, and from whom they originally came?

So far as is known Major Stevens and Captain Payne-Best are at present in Berlin. There was no question of these officers conveying peace proposals on behalf of His Majesty's Government. All they were authorised to do was to listen to and report on an approach that had been made from the German side. The exact nature and source of this approach could not be ascertained, owing to the forcible abduction on Netherlands territory of our officers by agents of the German Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who was the individual through whom these proposals came, and whether it was indicated to the Government that proposals were being put forward? Did they urge these two officers to hear these proposals?

It came to the attention of the officers that there was an approach which interested them, and I can say no more than that these officers were abducted in the disgraceful manner I have described.

The point has not been answered. Was an indication given to the Government that proposals were being put forward, and did they agree to these officers getting them?

These officers referred home for instructions, and that answers the question.

Has the Dutch Government given any explanation why it is unable to protect British subjects on Dutch soil?