HC Deb 01 August 1923 vol 167 cc1435-6
1. Mr. WISE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if all the members of the League of Nations have paid their assessment; and, if not, will he state which of the members have not paid?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Ronald McNeill)

I am informed that during the first five months of this year about 20 per cent. of the contributions due from members of the League was received in Geneva. For 1922, 76½ per cent. of the contributions has so far been collected; for 1921, 88 per cent.; and for 1920, 95 per cent. I am not in a position to answer completely the last part of the question, but the hon. Member will find details of the contributions paid and collectable up to August, 1922, in the Records of the Third Assembly which have been published (Fourth Committee, page 142, etc.).

Mr. HARRIS

Who pays the balance of expenditure? Have we to foot the bill, or all the other nations combined?

Mr. McNEILL

I must ask for notice of that question.

Sir W. DAVISON

What percentage of the amount is paid by Great Britain?

Mr. McNEILL

I think the total amount of our assessment is paid.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Are we not about the only country that pays when the money is due?

Mr. McNEILL

That is what I should expect us to be.