HC Deb 10 April 1922 vol 153 cc22-3
51. Major LOWTHER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the United Kingdom's share of expenditure for the expenses of the League of Nations is to be increased from 4.84 per cent, to 9.55 per cent.?

Mr. FISHER

The increased contribution which this country is to make towards the expenses of the League of Nations results from the adoption by the Second Assembly of a revised basis for the allocation of the League's expenses, but the new scale will not become operative until the necessary amendment to Article VI of the Covenant has been I ratified by at least 26 members of the League, including the members of the Council, and it is to be reconsidered by the Assembly of 1923.

Major LOWTHER

Does that mean that other nations may put up the percentage of our contribution just as they will to any figure, without our having the opportunity of voting against it?

Mr. FISHER

No, that is not a fact.

Sir J. D. REES

Is not the increase in the British contribution due really to the fact that other nations do not pay their subscriptions?

Mr. FISHER

No, it is due to the fact that the original arrangement was found to be very anomalous. It had, for instance, the anomaly of requiring contributions from Australia, Canada and South Africa on the same basis as the contributions required from Great Britain and the other great Powers, and it was consequently violently objected to by our own Dominions, and it was very largely owing to their pressure that the new basis was adopted.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

How many nations have paid nothing at all?

Mr. FISHER

That was answered earlier in the Session.

Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEY

Has the Irish Free State yet offered to make any contribution?

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