16. Sir JOHN SANDEMAN ALLENasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the International Labour Office proposes to call an international conference on emigration statistics; that the League of Nations is proposing to call a further conference on the treatment of foreigners; that in part preparation for the latter the International Labour Office proposes to call a meeting of its emigration committee; and will His Majesty's Government suggest to the League of Nations and its International Labour Office that all these meetings be postponed, in view of the almost complete cessation of emigration and the expense involved?
§ Sir J. SIMONBefore answering this question I should like to express the regret which we all feel at the sad news of the sudden death of the head of the International Labour Office. Monsieur Albert Thomas.
Following the decision to call a conference of emigration statisticians, the report for discussion at such a conference was prepared, and the governing body of the International Labour Office decided at their meeting of the 25th of April, 1932, to call the proposed meeting in October next. The question whether Great Britain should be represented at this conference has yet to be considered. This is a technical conference and is independent of any general action concerning the treatment of foreigners. As regards the second part of the question, I understand that there is no present intention of calling a further conference on the treatment of foreigners. Moreover, the draft Treatment of Foreigners Convention does not deal with emigration questions. As regards the last part 1533 of the question, the cost of the conference of emigration statisticians will fall entirely upon the countries represented.