HC Deb 14 October 1908 vol 194 cc307-8
MR. FELL (Great Yarmouth)

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has entered into any engagement on behalf of the Government to assist the Inter-Parliamentary Congress by the payment of £300 a year or any other sum; and, if so, will a Supplementary Estimate be presented, or from what source will the money be provided.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE.

Yes, Sir, I have undertaken to propose to Parliament the provision of an annual grant to the Inter-Parliamentary Union of a sum not exceeding £300, on learning that the permanent secretariat of the Union has been established on a satisfactory basis. I am not aware that any contribution will be required during the present financial year, and I do not therefore anticipate that any Supplementary Estimate will be necessary. I understand that other countries also propose to contribute.

MR. STUART WORTLEY (Sheffield, Hallam)

Will steps be taken to ensure that the delegations to this Congress are really representative?

EARL WINTERTON

And will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain what grants are made by other Parliaments, and especially by Germany?

MR. FELL

Do the Government propose to take control in any way over the selection of representatives of this Parliament?

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

said he under-stood that it was open to every Member of Parliament who took an interest in this movement to attend the conferences if he wished, and in that sense, therefore, they were perfectly representative.