HC Deb 21 April 1921 vol 140 cc2070-1
40. Lord ROBERT CECIL

asked the Prime Minister how soon the Convention for the establishment of a permanent Court of International Justice will be ratified by this country?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)

His Majesty's Government are in consultation with the Governments of the self-governing Dominions and of India with a view to ratification taking place as soon as possible.

Lord R. CECIL

Will the hon. Gentleman explain why it is necessary to consult the Dominions and India before ratification, since they were separately represented at Geneva when the Convention was agreed upon?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

It was considered appropriate to do so.

Sir J. D. REES

Has it been decided how the judges will be paid and selected, and whether payment will be by salary or by fees per case treated, or how?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better give notice of that question. It does not arise out of the answer.