HC Deb 15 July 1931 vol 255 cc429-30
1. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what other countries in addition to the United States of America have now forwarded to the League of Nations at Geneva full information about their armaments in preparation for the Disarmament Conference; and when the information with regard to this country is likely to be delivered?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Dalton)

My right hon. Friend has been notified by the Secretary-General of the League of Nations of the receipt of a communication from the Government of the Soviet Union containing particulars of their armaments. Apart from the United States of America, no other Government, so far as my right hon. Friend is aware, has yet replied to the Secretary-General's inquiry. It is hoped that the information concerning this country will be communicated to Geneva in the near future.

9. Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the various agreements already in force, it is his intention to raise the question of poison gas at the forthcoming Disarmament Conference and to recommend that all further experiments and research into the use of poison gas for the purposes of war be discontinued?

Mr. DALTON

As my right hon. Friend has already informed the House, all problems connected with the forthcoming Disarmament Conference are receiving the fullest consideration; but he is not in a position at present to make any statement on particular problems.

Mr. FREEMAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that such a decision would be welcomed by the civilised world?

Mr. DALTON

I hope that many of our other decisions would also be welcomed.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Will the hon. Gentleman consider calling together a body of Christian ministers to discuss the question of how much poison gas should be allowed in cases like this?

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