§ 27. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the conditions under which foreign Governments are permitted to send observers to the conferences of the International Labour Bureau at Geneva; what are the functions of observers at these conferences; and if observers are allowed to attend these conferences from Governments which make no contribution to the funds of the League of Nations?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)I have been asked to reply. The International Labour Organisation of the League of Nations, including His Majesty's Government, are always glad to have present at their conferences representatives of countries which, while not members of the League, desire to show their interest in the work of the organisation by sending representatives to act as observers. It gave special pleasure to my right hon. Friend to extend a welcome to the representative of the Government of Egypt who attended in this capacity at the recent conference and to see also a representative of the Turkish Government. Observers do not vote and take no part in the discussions. Their expenses are paid by their own Governments.