8. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether the Governor-General in Council has approved the draft conventions and recommendations 2155 prepared at the International Labour Conference at Washington; whether India will be represented at the forthcoming conference at Geneva; and, if so, whether the Indian taxpayer will be called upon to provide funds for participation in the activities and actions of the League of Nations, whether or not such have any reasonable relation to Indian conditions and whether or not such are likely to produce practical results?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Government of India have expressed the intention of ratifying the draft convention regarding the night employment of women and of young persons. They had already taken action on the lines of the Conference's recommendation regarding white phosphorus matches. They have addressed local governments generally favouring action in accordance with the other recommendations of the Conference, but have not yet come to a final decision on all points. It is intended that India shall be represented at the next International Labour Conference. Membership of the League of Nations necessarily entails some expenditure for all participating countries, including India. I believe membership of the League of Nations to be of great value to India.