HC Deb 17 June 1925 vol 185 c485
27. Mr. ERSKINE

asked the Minister of Labour the cost to the British Government of the International Labour Organisation at Geneva?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland)

The amount of the Estimate for the current financial year for the British Government contribution to the International Labour Organisation is £30,000.

Mr. ERSKINE

Is it not a fact that Britain's share is out of all proportion to her representation?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The representation is not based in any way on the measure of contribution.

Colonel WOODCOCK

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the annual cost is not likely to be much increased in the near future?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

It was due largely to the exertions of the British representative there that very considerable economy was secured in the present year, and that without affecting the efficiency of the organisation in any respect, and the House may rest assured that the whole policy of the Government is to be as economical as possible there, as in any other matters, without in any way decreasing efficiency.

Mr. SEXTON

Is it not a fact that the existence of the Labour Organisation at Geneva is a great advantage to the right hon. Gentleman's own Department here?

Forward to