HC Deb 03 May 1928 vol 216 cc1906-7
75. Mr. MALONE

asked the Minister of Labour whether His Majesty's Government have put forward any proposals for the reduction of the annual budget of the International Labour Office at Geneva?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)

The budget of the International Labour Office for 1929 proposed a net increase of 716,410 Swiss francs over that voted for 1928; this figure, it is true, containing provision in respect of the second conference which is to be held in 1929. Reductions in respect of this considerable increase were proposed by several Governments, including the British. The majority of these reductions were adopted by the Finance Committee and subsequently by the Governing Body.

Sir R. THOMAS

Can the hon. Gentleman say what is Great Britain's contribution towards this budget?

Mr. BETTERTON

Yes. Speaking from memory, the contribution of Great Britain is about 10.5 per cent., and the contribution of the British Empire as a Whole, again speaking from memory, is about 26.5 per cent.