HC Deb 17 July 1922 vol 156 cc1700-1
25. Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

asked the Prime Minister whether he can say anything with regard to the Russian Conference at The Hague: and when the Director of Overseas Trade and the Financial Secretary to the Treasury will return to their duties in this country?

33. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister what action is proposed to be taken by His Majesty's Government, in view of the course of events at The Hague Conference; and when the next Conference is expected to be held?

42. Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to make any announcement as to the progress of the Conference at The Hague?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Lloyd George)

The deadlock at The Hague continues, and unless it be dissipated at the eleventh hour, the British Delegation is expected to return towards the end of this week. Until I have been able to consult with the Parliamentary Secretary of the Department of Overseas Trade (Sir P. Lloyd-Greame) and the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Hilton Young), I cannot make any fuller statement regarding the proceedings at The Hague Conference.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Arising out of the last part of my question, can the right hon. Gentleman say when the next Conference is expected to be held? [HON. MEMBERS: "Answer!"] Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to treat this question seriously?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am treating it quite seriously. The answer is that I can give no answer until I have seen the two hon. Members who are at present at The Hague, because they have of all to present their Report first.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

In that case, are the Government immediately taking steps to work out some fresh policy which will lead to a revival of trade between this country and Russia?