§ 15. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state why His Majesty's Government have not yet become a party to the International Agreement revising the Agreement of 1906 for the unification of formulas for patent drugs, when 14 other countries were able to do so by August, 1929?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Dalton)His Majesty's Government propose to accede to the Agreement at the earliest date possible, but, in accordance with the practice established at the beginning of the present Parliament, accession is not possible until the Agreement has been laid before Parliament for 21 days. The Agreement was duly laid on the Table on the 20th of January.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEThat does not answer my question as to why this Agreement, which was published on 20th August, 1929, has not been laid on the Table of the House at an earlier date?
§ Mr. DALTONThe matter has been under consideration, and, as we have decided that we were sure to ratify, we have taken proper steps to that end.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEMeanwhile, has action been taken under such articles as were appropriate and have the permanent Secretariat been asked to consult the Commissions of the various nations as soon as possible? Has that been delayed about 18 months, and is not that an unreasonable delay?
§ Mr. DALTONThe hon. and gallant Member had better put a further question on the Paper.