§ MR. BYLES (Salford, N)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign 405 Affairs, whether he can now inform the House of the probable date of meeting of the second Hague Conference; who are likely to be the British delegates; and what subjects for discussion will be included in the programme submitted by His Majesty's Government.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYSome of the Powers have pointed out objections to holding the Conference in July, and it has been suggested that a later date should be chosen which would give more time for the consideration of the programme, which it is proposed to discuss. The programme is submitted by the Russian Government, who are the Conveners of the Conference. I cannot yet say what subjects may be added to the programme already published. The British Delegates have not yet been selected, but preparation is being made for a full consideration by His Majesty's Government, before the Conference meets, of the subjects, which will be, or are likely to be discussed at it.
§ MR. BYLESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the last Conference the subject of an international agreement for the reduction of armaments was definitely left to the Signatory Powers to give—;
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order, that does not arise out of the Question.