§ 34. Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLANDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that under Article 23 (a) of the Covenant off the League of Nations this country has undertaken to endeavour to secure and maintain fair and humane conditions of labour for men, women and children both in their own countries and in all countries to which their commercial and industrial relations extend; and what 1739 steps he proposes to take to secure such conditions for workers in the Russian timber camps?
§ Mr. DALTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second part of the question. I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the replies given to a number of hon. Members on the 26th January, the 28th January, and the 9th February, to which I have nothing to add.
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONIs this country included?
§ Mr. DALTONYes, Sir.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDCan the hon. Gentleman say when it is proposed to take any further steps to fulfil the duties of this country under the Covenant?
§ Mr. DALTONI have referred the right hon. Gentleman to a large number of answers setting forth very fully my right hon. Friend's views on this question. We have already taken certain steps. We have suggested to the Soviet Government that, in view of the statements which have been made, and of the doubt as to the exact degree of truth or falsity that may attach to them, an impartial inquiry would be very desirable. The Soviet Government, however, do not agree with us on that matter, and we think it unlikely that any inquiry conducted without their assistance would bring about a satisfactory result.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAre the Government not prepared to endeavour to take any other steps?
§ Mr. MILLSHas not the Under-Secretary quite a number of precedents for doing nothing, in the Administration that preceded this one?
§ Mr. MARLEYHas my hon. Friend's attention been called to the Report of the Whitley Commission with regard to slavery in India and Burma?