HC Deb 18 May 1922 vol 154 cc541-3
30. Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

asked the Prime Minister whether the Dutch Government will pay for all the expenses of the proposed conferences regarding Russia to be held at The Hague in the same manner as the Italian Government have paid for Genoa; and whether, in addition to the amounts to be paid in connection with these conferences by the Dutch and Italian Governments, Supplementary Estimates for the expenses of British participants in them will be presented to the House?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The question of any such expenses being borne by the Dutch Government has not in any way arisen. With regard to the latter part of the question, it is unlikely that it will be necessary to present a Supplementary Estimate for the expenses of the British Delegation, as provision is made for such expenditure under Sub-head K1 (Special Missions and Services) of the Diplomatic and Consular Vote in which an item of £20,000 for "Unforeseen Missions and Services" is included.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Are we to understand that the Mission to The Hague will be purely a Foreign Office Mission, on which other Departments will not be represented?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

If there be a Mission to The Hague—I do not speak with final authority at present—I do not think it would be purely a Foreign Office Mission in the sense of being drawn from the ordinary diplomatic or Foreign Office staff. Matters to be discussed at The Hague would require experts of a different character.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Will the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs be represented at The Hague?

Mr. N. MACLEAN

Will the question he brought before the House, and shall we be allowed to discuss the personnel of the delegation which is likely to go to The Hague?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It would be for the Chairman of Committees to say whether it is possible under that head to discuss something which the hon. Member thinks is likely to happen. As regards all these questions, I think they had better be deferred until myself or until some Minister can tell the House definitely that there is to be such a Conference at The Hague, and of what nature it will be.

32. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether a subsequent Conference to the Genoa Conference has been arranged to consider the results of that Conference; where will it be held and on what date; what Powers have agreed to send representatives; who the British representatives will be; and whether a further Vote of Confidence will be invited from this House?

33. Captain W. BENN

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many international conferences have been held since the signing of the Peace Treaty; and whether he can make any statement as to the proposed conference at. The Hague?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have not yet received official information of the decisions on these questions. As regards the first part of the question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith, I am doubtful as to its intention and scope, but if I am right in thinking that he refers to Conferences of the Supreme Council I would refer him to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull on the 27th March.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say anything definite about the Prime Minister's return, and the possibility of his being able to give this information?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have reason to expect that the Prime Minister will return to this country next Saturday evening, but I cannot make any definite statement as to a discussion in this House until I have seen him.

Captain BENN

Will the discussion, when it takes place, be in such a form as to permit the House to pronounce its opinion definitely on the issue involved?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have not come to any conclusion on the subject. If one of the Opposition desires to Table a Motion, of course, I will consider the character of the Motion and see whether we can afford facilities for it.

Captain SENN

It is not the intention of the Government to put down another Vote of Confidence in themselves?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I reserve the right to do that at any time I think fit.