HC Deb 26 June 1924 vol 175 c577
47. Brigadier-General SPEARS

asked the Prime Minister what are the functions and duties of the Conference of Ambassadors; what purpose is served by the continued existence of this body: and whether or not he proposes to maintain indefinitely a British representative on the Council??

The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Mr. Clynes)

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to a reply given to the hon. Member for Hackney North (Mr. J Harris) on the 25th February. The British representative will continue to take part in the discussions of the Ambassadors' Conference so long as its work is unfinished.

Brigadier-General SPEARS

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that a lot of the work done by the Conference of Ambassadors could be better dealt with by the League of Nations?

Mr. CLYNES

I think the question of the functions of the Conference was covered in the reply given by the Prime Minister some time ago.

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

When is it anticipated that the work of the Conference will come to an end?

Mr. CLYNES

I could not answer that question without notice.

Mr. PRINGLE

Was it not the pre-Election policy of the Labour party to dispense with the Conference of Ambassadors altogether?

Mr. CLYNES

There is no change in the Election policy of the Labour party.

Mr. HOPE SIMPSON

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how often the Conference of Ambassadors has sat during the last month?

Mr. CLYNES

Not without notice.

Major COLFOX

Is there any likelihood of the post-Election policy of the Labour party being put into operation?