HC Deb 18 July 1934 vol 292 cc1081-2
1. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the Air Sub-Committee of the Disarmament Commission is to meet, and who will be the British representative?

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

As regards the first part of the question it is for the chairman of the committee or the officers of the conference to take the initiative in summoning the committee and I understand that no date has yet been fixed. As regards the second part of the question my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Air has been nominated to represent His Majesty's Government on the committee.

Mr. MANDER

Are the Government hopeful of useful results from the sittings of this committee?

Sir J. SIMON

I cannot say at present. The committee has been called together, and we are hoping that it may contribute very useful results.

Sir HERBERT SAMUEL

Is it intended that the committee shall consist mainly of representatives of the Air Forces of the different Powers, or is it intended that other Ministers not directly concerned with these forces should attend?

Sir J. SIMON

No, Sir, the composition of a committee to deal with a number of technical matters naturally would in- clude, and does in fact include, the representatives of the Air Ministries of a number of Powers, but there are representatives of various kinds.

Mr. MANDER

Would it not be desirous to send some Minister who is interested in disarmament?