HC Deb 10 February 1926 vol 191 cc1012-3
12. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the estimated cost of Lord Willingdon's mission to China; and from what funds it will be defrayed?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

An exact estimate of the cost of the mission must depend on factors such as the duration of its stay in China and the amount of travelling it will have to do while there, which cannot at present be determined. It is hoped, however, that the total cost of the mission will not exceed a sum of £20,000. Under Section 1 (3) of the China Indemnity (Application) Act, 1925, the expenses of the mission will be defrayed from the China Indemnity Fund.

19. Mr. TREVELYAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what authority will be responsible for the selection of the three Chinese members who are to form part of the statutory Committee which is to be set up under the China Indemnity (Application) Act, 1925; and whether they have yet been designated?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The Act provides that the Chinese members, like the British members, shall be appointed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. After consultation with the British members of the Committee, with His Majesty's representatives in China, and with the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs, three eminent Chinese have been approached whose names will be published as soon as they have definitely accepted the appointment.