(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he is able to give the House any further information with regard to the recent tragedy in Athens; and what action His Majesty's Government proposes to take in the matter?

His Majesty's Government have no further information than that which has appeared in the Press. His Majesty's Minister has been instructed to withdraw from Athens.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement made by the convicted Cabinet Ministers before execution that they received encouragement, sometimes in writing, from the Foreign Secretary and other Ministers in this country, and, in these circumstances, will the Prime Minister lay on the Table of the House all correspondence which is relevant?

I have heard of no such information as the hon. and gallant Gentleman gives. If particulars can be given, I will consider the matter.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why His Majesty's Minister has been recalled from Athens, seeing that the British Minister was not recalled from Budapest under the White Terror, when hundreds of thousands of workmen were murdered?

I do not think that reference to what was done on a previous occasion has any bearing on what we are doing now, or whether it is right or wrong. I would like to add that it was with a view of preventing this tragedy that we did inform the Greek Government that, if it did take place, we would withdraw our representative.

Why do we take this action when men of high standing are executed, and take no notice when massacres take place in other countries?

I am sure that is not so.

Has the Prime Minister not seen the statement in the "Times" this morning that these Ministers on trial alleged that they had encouragement, and in one case a letter, from British Ministers and encouragement from the Foreign Secretary?

There is another question on that point.

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the report that M. Gounaris, late Prime Minister of Greece, who has now been executed, proposed at a date subsequent to April, 1921, and before the defeat of the Greek Armies in Asia Minor to withdraw on their advanced position in order to avoid disaster, and that he was dissuaded from doing so by members of His Majesty's Government, he can make a statement which will clear His Majesty's late Government of this grave charge?

I have no information as to any such report as is referred to in this question. As regards the statement in the "Times" referred to by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain Benn), I must say I did not see it, but I presume it did not profess to give accurate particulars.

Is the Prime Minister aware that it is stated definitely, as a fact, that a document was referred to, and would the right hon. Gentleman publish all relevant documents?

I would need to know what the documents are.

Would the right hon. Gentleman lay on the Table any precedents for the withdrawal of the Minister to Greece, and under such circumstances?

There is certainly, I think, such precedent— [An HON. MEMBER: Serbia!"]—and, I think, Serbia was one of them. [HON. MEMBERS: "No."]

Was not Serbia a case of murder, and not a case of execution after trial?

I will consider whether there are precedents, but this was not the work of the Government, but the work, as I understand it, of a revolutionary committee. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]

Would the right hon. Gentleman say precisely why he did withdraw the Minister?

I gave the reason I think. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] I think so. The first step we took was to inform the Greek Government that if this action, which we feared might be taken, was actually taken, we should withdraw our Minister. We thought it a barbarous act. We took the step we did in order, if possible, to prevent it. Now that it has taken place, I shall be greatly surprised if the great body of public opinion, not only in this country— [Interruption]—but throughout the civilised world does not support us.

In view of the statement of the right hon. Gentleman that a revolutionary committee has executed these Ministers, is not the present Government of Italy on the same footing?

There is a difference which does not appear to be noticed. There was a nominal Government in Greece, but it was not, I think, that Government which carried out these executions.

Would it not be more in accordance with the functions of the League of Nations to refer a matter of this kind to the League rather than to take isolated action?

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the House any information as to the cause of the disaster at Siddick Colliery on Monday last?

The information at 'present in the possession of the Ministry of Mines of this lamentable accident, by which five men lost their lives, indicates that it was an explosion of gas caused by the firing of a shot.

What steps does the Minister propose to take to deal with those responsible for the management of the mines where gas is allowed to accumulate, and where men are at work in danger?

It is clear that the Ministry of Mines cannot make any declaration about this accident before the facts have been elicited, and these are now—

That is not the point of my question. My question has not been answered. The answer of the Parliamentary Secretary was that there was gas—[HON. MHMHERS: "Order, order!"]

We cannot follow up supplementary questions by a discussion. The hon. Member had better put his question down on the Paper.

Does the Noble Lord tell us that the reports of the Whitehaven (Haig Pit) disaster are still held up?

I must have notice of that.

Why, in view of successive disasters of a similar kind that have taken place during the past few years, has the Government not thought to promote legislation to deal with these matters?

It is now after a quarter to four, and only questions of special urgency are allowed.

During the course of yesterday's proceedings I lost my temper. It is the only thing I have got to lose. During that time I used certain language which, I believe, is considered unparliamentary. It is dockers' language, and as I happen to represent a constituency in the East End of London largely inhabited by casual labourers, I thought I was using the language they would use to express themselves under the circumstances, on the domestic situation then existing. But if I have offended against the rules of the House, I beg leave to withdraw the remarks I made, and to express my regret. Possibly in future- I may have opportunities of using more Parliamentary language in similar circumstances.

I am sure that the House will gladly accept the words of the hon. Member for Silvertown. No one would regret it more than I if I were forced to take stronger measures than I had to adopt yesterday.

I desire, Mr. Speaker, to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House on a definite matter of urgent public importance.

We have got past that point.