HC Deb 24 June 1925 vol 185 cc1503-4
14. Major CRAWFURD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British delegation to the Assembly of the League of Nations will be composed, as in former years, of representatives of the political parties; whether a woman will again be a member of that delegation; and if he can say when he hopes to be in a position to announce the composition of the delegation?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The composition of the British delegation to the next Assembly is not yet determined. It must depend to some extent upon the character of the agenda which the Assembly has to consider.

Major CRAWFURD

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an answer to the second part of the question, whether there will be a woman member of the delegation?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I anticipate there undoubtedly will be, but I beg that I may not be asked in detail how the delegation is to be composed until His Majesty's Government know the subjects the delegation will be called upon to deal with and we are in a position to form the British delegation accordingly.

48. Sir G. BUTLER

asked the Prime Minister whether, if and when delegates are appointed to represent Great Britain at the next meeting of the Assembly of the League of Nations, in view of the fact that it has been maintained that they are free to express personal points of view, their instructions will confine their activities to-representing the views of His Majesty's Government?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I conceive that it would be highly improper for any delegate, appointed to represent this country at the Assembly of the League of Nations, to use his position to advance personal views not approved by the Government which he represents. I am not aware that such a right has ever been claimed by a British delegate, and it certainly would not be allowed by His Majesty's present advisers. I may add, that the British representative on the Council is properly and necessarily subject to exactly the same obligations.