HC Deb 22 May 1933 vol 278 cc745-6
15. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether representatives of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics have been invited to attend the World Economic Conference?

20. Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Russia has been invited to the World Economic Conference?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, Sir. The Secretary-General of the League of Nations has issued an invitation.

Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Has the League invitation been accepted; and, if so, will the right hon. Gentleman say what useful purpose can be served by inviting a Power which is avowedly hostile to our whole economic system?

The PRIME MINISTER

If the first part of the hon. Member's Supplementary Question were put on the Paper, I would be very glad to answer. I am sorry I do not carry it in my mind. As regards the second part, I hope the House will remember that these invitations are not issued by his Majesty's Government, but by the League of Nations from Geneva.

Captain P. MACDONALD

Since when has Russia been a member of the League of Nations?

The PRIME MINISTER

Russia has been co-operating at various points with the League of Nations—for instance, in the present Disarmament Conference.

Mr. DENMAN

With a view to improving the atmosphere of the conference would the Prime Minister invite the Foreign Secretary to attempt a friendly settlement of the outstanding differences between this country and Russia?

Captain CROOKSHANK

Is it not a fact that the Russians attend all these conferences automatically, because they know that they have a much more pleasant time abroad than at home?

The PRIME MINISTER

Perhaps my Bon. and gallant Friend will submit that question at the Table.

21. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the total estimated cost to the British taxpayer of the World Economic Conference, including the entertainment of foreign representatives?

The PRIME MINISTER

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar question by the hon. Member for Attercliffe (Mr. Pike) on Thursday last. The cost of the entertainment of foreign representatives will be defrayed from the Government Hospitality Fund. As my hon. Friend will be aware, it is not customary to state the amount expended from that fund on particular occasions.