HC Deb 08 November 1932 vol 270 cc187-9
47. Lord APSLEY

asked the Prime Minister whether, before any decision is reached with regard to the extent in which the British Government can agree with the French disarmament proposals and particularly those with regard to the international control of civil aviation, he will ensure that such agreement will in no way prevent the future development of British civil aviation, either of a private nature or on the existing and proposed Empire routes to India, South Africa, Australia, and Canada, respectively?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

I have not yet received the new French disarmament proposals. My Noble Friend may rest assured that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom will certainly bear in mind the importance of providing fully for the future of British civil aviation and the development of air communications with India, South Africa, Australia and Canada.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

While the right hon. Gentleman is thinking about these Imperial air services, will he also bear in mind the fact that the one thing this nation desires is peace?

The PRIME MINISTER

There is no fear of His Majesty's Government forgetting that.

Captain BALFOUR

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there will be no quota as regards privately-run lines?

The PRIME MINISTER

I cannot enter into details. The House may take the answer I have given as the answer, which will guide us in our general policy.

Lord APSLEY

May I ask whether the Government are considering dissociating civil aviation altogether from military requirements?

The PRIME MINISTER

That, naturally, is one of the questions which must come up.

45. Mr. MeGOVERN

asked the Prime Minister who was responsible for the appointment of Mr. Arthur Henderson as chairman of the World Disarmament Conference; and if he can give the amount of personal expenses paid to him since the opening of this Conference?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)

I have been asked to reply. Mr. Henderson was appointed president of the Disarmament Conference by the Council of the League of Nations in May, 1931. The only item in the League budget bearing on the second part of the question is one of 50,000 Swiss francs for "expenses of chairman and entertainment."

Mr. McGOVERN

Is Mr. Henderson responsible to the National Government for the declaration of policy on behalf of the Government?

Sir J. SIMON

No, Sir, he is not.

Mr. MAXTON

Is it permissible for the right hon. Gentleman in his position as chairman of that Conference to take a view contrary to that of His Majesty's Government?

Mr. LANSBURY

Surely there is a simple answer to the question put by the hon. Member, and the House is entitled to have it, Are the Government responsible for Mr. Henderson's utterances as chairman of the Disarmament. Conference?

Sir J. SIMON

Most certainly not, Sir.

Mr. MAXTON

I asked a question to which I think I am entitled to have a reply, whether it is permissible for the British chairman of the Disarmament Conference to take a view contrary to that of His Majesty's Government?

Sir J. SIMON

The chairman of the Disarmament Conference is discharging his duties as chairman without any regard to his nationality. He is not in any way circumscribed by the fact that he happens to be a British subject.

Mr. LAWSON

Is it not a fact that Mr. Henderson was invited to occupy this position irrespective of any connection with the Government?

46. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet re- ceived, or has considered, the new French disarmament plan, and what instructions have been given to our representatives at Geneva on the question of any restatement of Article 16 of the Covenant, of any reversion to the Protocol de Geneve, or of any extension of the Locarno guarantees to the rest of the frontiers laid down in the Peace Treaties?

Sir J. SIMON

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir. An outline of the French plan was sketched by Monsieur Paul-Boncour in his speech on Friday, but the plan has not yet been deposited or communicated. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Have no instructions been sent to our representatives there on those three points? The matter seems to be of importance, because the views of the President on the question are known?

Sir J. SIMON

I think my right hon. and gallant Friend will see that instructions in regard to the French plan could not be formulated before the French plan is communicated. It is not the intention, I feel sure, to discuss it the moment it is produced. There is bound to be a short period for examination.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

We read the President's speech carefully. May we not find out whether these points have been dealt with?

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. Member is now repeating his original question.