Oral Answers to Questions — Disarmament Conference (British Delegation).

– in the House of Commons am ar 2 Rhagfyr 1931.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Sir James Rodd Sir James Rodd , St Marylebone

47.

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has been taken with regard to the British representation at the Disarmament Conference at Geneva in February next?

Photo of Mr Ramsay Macdonald Mr Ramsay Macdonald , Seaham

The full composition of the British delegation to the Disarmament Conference has not yet been completely settled, but the following members of the Cabinet will form part of the delegation, namely, myself, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, the Secretary of State for War, the Secretary of State for Air, and the First Lord of the Admiralty.

Photo of Captain Sir Peter Macdonald Captain Sir Peter Macdonald , Isle of Wight

Will the right hon. Gentleman say who is going to preside at the Conference.?

Photo of Mr Ramsay Macdonald Mr Ramsay Macdonald , Seaham

That is not a matter for any one Government. It is a matter for the League of Nations responsible Committee, which appointed Mr. Henderson as chairman.

Photo of Lieut-General Edward Fitzroy Lieut-General Edward Fitzroy , Daventry

A very full answer has been given to this question.

Photo of Mr James Maxton Mr James Maxton , Glasgow Bridgeton

I only wish to ask the Prime Minister whether the House will be sitting when all these Ministers are absent on the Continent?

Photo of Mr Ramsay Macdonald Mr Ramsay Macdonald , Seaham

We hope, as the late Government hoped, that it will not be necessary for these Ministers to be away at the same time. The attendances will have to be arranged in accordance with the business before the Conference from time to time.

Photo of Sir James Rodd Sir James Rodd , St Marylebone

48.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before the meeting of the Disarmament Conference at Geneva in February next, any statement will be made regarding the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the conclusions adopted by the preparatory commission; and whether any opportunity will be afforded for discussing the subject?

Photo of Mr William Craven-Ellis Mr William Craven-Ellis , Southampton

51.

asked the Prime Minister if he will assure the House that our representatives will be instructed, before attending the World Disarmament Conference next year, that we have already reduced our defence forces below the safety level and that we cannot undertake any further disarmament until all the nations of the world have made substantial reductions?

Photo of Mr Ramsay Macdonald Mr Ramsay Macdonald , Seaham

Under the late Labour Government a committee composed of members of the three parties examined broadly the Draft Disarmament Convention. The present Government are continuing their examination of the whole question in the fullest detail, but it will hardly be possible for any statement to be made as to the Government's policy before the House rises. I can assure my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis) that the point which he raises will not be overlooked.