§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORI desire a question with reference to the invitation of the Swiss Confederation for an International Conference with regard to the regulation of factory labour. I see that three European Governments—Belgium, Holland, and Italy—have given in their adhesion. Have Her Majesty's Government given any answer to the invitation?
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHNo answer has yet been given to the invitation addressed by the President of the Swiss Confederation to Her Majesty's Government; but the subject is receiving the very careful consideration of the Government. Communications are in progress, and we hope to he able to send an answer in the course of a very few days.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORCan the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope that the answer will be known to the House before the discussion of the Vote for the Foreign Office?
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHI cannot say whether that will be the case or not, but the Government will have no hesitation in submitting their decision to the House.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORWould the right hon. Gentleman expedite the communication to the House, because, if it were adverse, it would be necessary to discuss the conduct of the Government in refusing.
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHThere will be no delay in communicating the decision to the House.