HC Deb 25 May 1932 vol 266 cc338-9
7. Captain HAROLD BALFOUR

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider proposing to the League of Nations that only representa- tives of those States which have paid their respective contributions to the League shall be permitted to participate in any inquiry or other form of action designed to bring about economy reductions in the League budget?

Sir J. SIMON

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the Council of the League of Nations have already entrusted this inquiry to the Supervisory Commission, who will co-opt experts to assist them in framing a report to be submitted to the Assembly of the League of Nations in September next.

Captain BALFOUR

How many members of the Supervisory Committee are representatives of countries which are behind-hand in their contributions?

Sir J. SIMON

I thought that question might be asked, and I have provided myself with detailed information on the point. The Supervisory Committee consists of the representatives of Czechoslovakia, India, Norway, Venezuela, and France, and I think the substitute members are Poland and Hungary. All these countries have paid their subscriptions up to date.

8. Captain BALFOUR

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many representatives taking part in the recent discussion on Great Britain's proposals for further economy in the League of Nations' expenditure were representatives of countries behind-hand in their contributions to the League's budget?

Sir J. SIMON

Four.