§ 2. Mr. PONSONBYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in consequence of the condemnation of the evils of the private manufacture of arms and munitions of war, which was drawn up by the temporary mixed Commission of the League of Nations in their Report, any initiative will be taken by His Majesty's Government to bring about a discussion of this question at the forthcoming preparatory conference on disarmament; or whether any steps are being taken to deal with the evil in this country?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe hon. Gentleman is under a misapprehension. The Report merely tabulates the objections which have been raised in various 267 quarters without expressing any opinion on their force. The Council of the League of Nations, at its December session, appointed a. committee of inquiry to make the necessary investigations for drawing up a draft convention for the control of the private manufacture of arms, and there is consequently no reason for any independent action by His Majesty's Government.