HC Deb 02 May 1928 vol 216 cc1690-1
12. Captain GARRO-JONES

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Preparatory Commission on Disarmament is now regarded as defunct?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir.

Captain GARRO-JONES

If this Preparatory Commission is not to be regarded as defunct, has the right hon. Gentleman any proposals in view for resuscitating meetings of the Preparatory Commission, which was unable to fix a date for its next meeting when it previously met?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

They decided that the date of the next meeting should be left to the discretion of the chairman.

Mr. THURTLE

May we take it that, if the Commission is not defunct, it is moribund?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot prevent the hon. Member taking anything he can lay his hands on, but I must disclaim all responsibility.

Captain GARRO-JONES

In view of the fact that the chairman has taken no steps for a considerable interval to call a meeting, will the right hon. Gentleman himself take the initiative in the matter?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

No, I am inclined to think that the chairman is probably in a better position to decide when a meeting would be useful than either myself or the hon. Member.