HC Deb 18 December 1933 vol 284 cc913-4
46. Mr. G. LOCKER - LAMPSON

asked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a committee to draw up draft proposals, to be submitted at Geneva, for the reform of the League of Nations, with a view to preventing further secessions from the League and promoting the adhesion of all the great Powers?

The PRIME MINISTER

No. Sir. I am not in favour of such a course.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Can the Prime Minister give the House an assurance that before the Government commit themselves to any foreign policy in this matter this House will have a full opportunity of discussing the matter further?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think the Government will have just to act with its usual powers in a matter like this.

Mr. MAXTON

Has the Government just made up its mind that the League is to be allowed to "go phut," and that nothing is to be done at all?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am afraid that my hon. Friend has not been giving that attention to the newspapers that he usually gives. Otherwise, he would have seen that that is not the case.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Are we to understand from the Prime Minister's reply that the Government may arrive at very grave decisions on this question before this House has an opportunity of discussing them?

The PRIME MINISTER

The position of the Government regarding the League has been very clearly indicated in the statements made from this Box.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Is it not a fact that the British Government are using every endeavour to keep the League going?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is perfectly true.