9. Mr. GORDON HARVEYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make any further statement with regard to the next Hague Conference; and whether any steps have yet been taken to nominate a British committee to consider proposals to lay before the conference?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)The position at present is that a reply is being given to the proposal of the Government of the United States of America to which I referred in the answer to the hon. Member for the Blackfriars Division of Glasgow on the 23rd of last month. This reply is generally favourable to their suggestion as to the preparation of the programme of the conference. But, as it is understood that other suggestions on the same subject may shortly be made, His Majesty's Government have not at this stage come to any final decision as to the composition of the body to which this work 352 should be entrusted. With regard to the second part of the question, a definite scheme for setting up a national committee at an early date is under consideration.
§ Mr. BARNESHas the Government taken into consideration, or are they willing to take into consideration, the question of popular representation, or representation of organised labour, on the national committee?
§ Mr. ACLANDI do not know if it has been considered, but we shall be very glad to consider anything the hon. Member may put to the committee.