§ 47. Sir RENNELL RODDasked the Prime Minister whether any decision has been taken with regard to the British representation at the Disarmament Conference at Geneva in February next?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe full composition of the British delegation to the Disarmament Conference has not yet been completely settled, but the following members of the Cabinet will form part of the delegation, namely, myself, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, the Secretary of State for War, the Secretary of State for Air, and the First Lord of the Admiralty.
§ Captain P. MACDONALDWill the right hon. Gentleman say who is going to preside at the Conference.?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is not a matter for any one Government. It is a matter for the League of Nations responsible Committee, which appointed Mr. Henderson as chairman.
§ Mr. MAXTONrose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERA very full answer has been given to this question.
§ Mr. MAXTONI only wish to ask the Prime Minister whether the House will be sitting when all these Ministers are absent on the Continent?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe hope, as the late Government hoped, that it will not be necessary for these Ministers to be away at the same time. The attendances will have to be arranged in accordance with the business before the Conference from time to time.
§ 48. Sir R. RODDasked the Prime Minister whether, before the meeting of the Disarmament Conference at Geneva in February next, any statement will be made regarding the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the conclusions adopted by the preparatory commission; and whether any opportunity will be afforded for discussing the subject?
§ 51. Mr. CRAVEN-ELLISasked the Prime Minister if he will assure the House that our representatives will be instructed, before attending the World Disarmament Conference next year, that we have already reduced our defence forces below the safety level and that we cannot undertake any further disarmament until all the nations of the world have made substantial reductions?
§ The PRIME MINISTERUnder the late Labour Government a committee composed of members of the three parties examined broadly the Draft Disarmament Convention. The present Government are continuing their examination of the whole question in the fullest detail, but it will hardly be possible for any statement to be made as to the Government's policy before the House rises. I can assure my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis) that the point which he raises will not be overlooked.