HC Deb 30 May 1932 vol 266 c813
23. Mr. HANNON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any scheme of reorganisation with a view to reduced expenditure is being considered by the Government in relation to the activities of the International Labour Bureau at Geneva; and if a statement of revised costs of administration of this bureau will be submitted to Parliament?

Mr. EDEN

The question of the expenditure of the League of Nations is not the concern of His Majesty's Government alone, but of all the members of the League. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom proposed that the expenditure of the International Labour Office should be inquired into at the same time as an examination was made into the rest of the expenditure figuring on the budget of the League, and I have already explained, in reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for East Dorset (Mr. Hall-Caine) the decision taken by the Council of the League on His Majesty's Government's proposal.

Mr. HANNON

Will my hon. Friend state to the House any particular advantage this country derives from the existence of the International Labour Bureau?

Mr. THORNE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that every time they meet the governing body do their level best to curtail these heavy charges, but find it difficult to do so on account of the extra, work which is thrown on them?

Mr. EDEN

It needs an inquiry to clear these matters up.

Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the United States of America subscribes to the International Labour Bureau?

Mr. EDEN

Not without notice.

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