§ 65 and 66. Mr. PONSONBYasked (1) the Secretary of State for Foreign 841 Affairs whether, in view of the evils which it is admitted in the covenant of the League of Nations are involved in the private manufacture of arms and ammunition, His Majesty's Government are prepared to lay before the League proposals for its total abolition;
(2) what proposals His Majesty's Government has laid before the Committee of the League of Nations for the execution of their obligation contained in Article 8 of the Covenant to remove the evils attendant upon the private manufacture of arms and ammunition; and whether these proposals can be laid before the House for their information?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONA committee of the League have prepared a draft convention on the private manufacture of arms which has been submitted for consideration to the Government's members of the League. This draft convention will be examined by a subcommittee appointed by the Council at its last session, which will meet on 14th March.
Any recommendations reached by the sub-committee will receive the careful consideration of His. Majesty's Government, but it would be premature on their part to make specific proposals before an examination of the sub-committee's deliberations has taken place.