HC Deb 24 July 1924 vol 176 cc1509-10
47. Mr. J. HARRIS

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to give the names of the delegation of the British Government to the Assembly of the League of Nations; whether the delegation will, as heretofore, be non-party in character and include one woman member?

45. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister who will represent His Majesty's Government at the forthcoming meeting of the Assembly of the League of Nations; whether one or more of the British representatives will be a woman; and whether representatives will be chosen from parties other than the Labour party as well as from the Labour party?

The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Mr. Clynes)

The chief delegates of His Majesty's Government at the Assembly of the League of Nations will be the Prime Minister, the Lord President of the Council, the Home Secretary and, when the Prime Minister has to leave Geneva, Professor Gilbert Murray. The substitute delegates will be the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Sir Hubert Llewellyn Smith and Mrs. Swanwick. Should the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs be prevented by his other duties from attending, Sir Cecil Hurst, legal adviser to the Foreign Office, will take his place. Another substitute delegate may also be appointed.

Mr. J. HARRIS

Is it too late to allow a woman to appear as a full delegate to Geneva, and does the Government feel that the time has come to place a woman in that position?

Mr. ACLAND

Does not the list of full delegates include at least one old woman?

Mr. CLYNES

I have no observation to offer on the last question. As to the other, I have nothing to add to my reply.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Is it true, as stated in the Press, that the Prime Minister will not be able to put in full time, and what arrangements will be made if he is not able to be at Geneva more than one or two days?

Mr. CLYNES

My reply substantially answers that point. I think it may be said the present Prime Minister will be able to put in more time at this Assembly than any other Prime Minister has done.

Sir ELLIS HUME-WILLIAMS

Are there means still available by which the services of Lord Cecil could be utilised?

Mr. CLYNES

I appreciate the spirit of the question, but am not able to add to the terms of my reply.

Mr. P. HARRIS

As there is a well-known representative of the Liberal party, would it not be possible to get a representative of the Conservative party, so that all parties should be represented?

Mr. BALDWIN

Who will be in charge of the Delegation in the absence of the Prime Minister?

Mr. CLYNES

The Lord President of the Council.