§ MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state on what grounds a subsidy of £300 a year is to be given to a political body called the Inter-Parliamentary Union; when will the first payment be made; and whether he can state if any similar subsidies are contemplated for other political organisations.
(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) Two years ago the House voted a sum of £5,000 for expenses in connection with the meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in London. The union is an entirely non-party organisation, including hon. Members who sit upon both sides of this House. The Government have undertaken 458 on the same grounds to propose to Parliament an annual grant of £300 in aid of the expenses of the permanent organisation of the union when it has been satisfactorily established. I have not yet received particulars of the arrangements proposed, and am therefore unable to say when a payment is likely to be required. I am not aware of any other organisation having the same claims.