HC Deb 16 December 1929 vol 233 cc940-1
10. Captain CROOKSHANK

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any members of the British delegation to the last Assembly of the League of Nations are now employed at the Foreign Office; and, if so, in what capacity and at what salary?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

The composition of the delegation to the 10th Assembly was announced to the House on 4th of July, 1929. Two members of the delegation, Lord Cecil of Chelwood, who represents His Majesty's Government on the Preparatory Disarmament Commission, and the hon. Member for Coventry (Mr. Noel Baker), my Parliamentary Private Secretary, are at present serving voluntarily in the Foreign Office.

Captain CROOKSHANK

Do we understand that Lord Cecil is attached in some way to the Government?

Mr. HENDERSON

Lord Cecil of Chelwood is serving in the Foreign Office in a voluntary capacity, and was appointed by His Majesty's Government to represent the Government on the Preparatory Commission on Disarmament.

Captain CROOKSHANK

Is he serving as an honorary member of the Government or as an honorary member of the Foreign Office staff?

Mr. HENDERSON

As an honorary member of the Foreign Office staff.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Has he access to all Government papers?

Mr. HENDERSON

Much will depend on what the hon. Member means by all papers.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

I mean what I said.

Earl WINTERTON

What is Lord Cecil's status? Is he a civil servant, or is he there in a Ministerial capacity?

Mr. HENDERSON

He is a voluntary worker in the Foreign Office and represents His Majesty's Government on the Preparatory Commission on Disarmament.

Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Will he answer for the Government in another place?

Mr. HENDERSON

Oh, no. He has not been appointed to answer for the Government in any place.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

May I have an answer to my question? Has he access to all Foreign Office papers?

Mr. HENDERSON

I cannot do other than give the answer that I have already given. I do not know what the hon. Member means. If he means relevant papers, yes.