§ Viscountess ASTOR(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether the Government is making any recommendations through its representative to the conference on the traffic in women and children which meets at Geneva tomorrow; if so, what these recommendations are, and whether in making them they have asked the advice or secured the support of any women's organisations?
§ Mr. SHORTTAs I pointed out in reply to a previous question on this subject, the object of the conference is to co-ordinate the reports received from the different Governments, and to endeavour to secure a common understanding between the Governments with a view to future united action. The British representative will promote this policy, but he has not been instructed to put forward any particular proposals.
§ Lord R. CECILDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that in a matter of this kind the British Government ought to have some policy?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe question asked is whether instructions were given to the delegate.
§ Sir S. HOAREWould it not have been much better to send a woman to represent the British Government on this occasion?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, Sir.
§ Captain ELLIOTIs it not desirable that at any rate a woman adviser should go with the British delegate, and give assistance in co-ordinating the steps to be taken in the future?
§ Viscountess ASTORIs it not true that those who have dealt specially with this subject here in England have never been consulted, and that a man has been sent who practically knows nothing about it?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, Sir; that is not in the least correct. Our representative is accompanied by two members of the National Vigilance Association, one of whom is a woman.
Mr. DAVISONCan the right hon. Gentleman state what is the real objection to a lady representing the Government at that function?
§ Mr. SHORTTWe have only one representative, and he has a lady with him as adviser.