The right hon. Gentleman and all the House must feel how the difficulties of these negotiations have been aggravated by the occurrence of more than one political Crisis in France during a short period of time, and by the passing, as it were, of a variety of shades over the tone of the French Government in connection with those Ministerial changes, and with popular and Parliamentary action, which is no less lively in that country than it is in this.

The Crisis in France at the present moment is due to unbalanced budgets, and the unbalanced budgets are due largely to the colossal expenditure on armaments which has been forced on the French.

The political Crisis of France was, of course, a direct outcome of the recent French elections which were almost the first national elections to be held since the war.

We heard yesterday how it was originally held up by the Crisis in France.

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the best tribute that could be paid to the solid, sensible and realistic Budget that he has just introduced is to compare it with the economic Crisis in France?