§ 41. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that during the re cent session of the Council of the League of Nations certain reports on minority questions were only presented to the members of the Council at the commencement of the session at which those matters were to be discussed; that at least one member of the Council corn plained of this procedure; and whether the British Government will propose modifications in the procedure in order that the minorities section of the secretariat of the League may arrange that in future there will be sufficient time between the presentation of reports and their subsequent discussion in session to allow for a more careful examination?
§ Mr. EDENI understand that one complaint of the nature suggested in the first part of the question was made. I feel sure that the rapporteurs and the Secretariat make every effort to arrange that reports are presented in time to allow full opportunity for their consideration, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that it is sometimes inevitable that such reports should not be ready until nearly the close of the session, especially in cases of difficulty and importance. If this occurs, any member of the Council can always propose that the discussion may be postponed in order to allow time for further consideration.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIn view of the fact that these circumstances have taken place, would it not be desirable for His Majesty's Government to make some representations to prevent this procedure from taking place in future?