§ 2. Mr. DAVID GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the action of the Austrian Government in suppressing the trade union organisation of Austria has been brought to the notice of the League of Nations; and whether the League has issued or intends to issue any report upon such action?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)So far as I am aware, the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and the second part does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. GRENFELLIs it open to the League of Nations to make inquiries and see whether the opportunities that are given to trade union organisations affiliated to the International Labour Office are to be maintained?
§ Sir J. SIMONI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to the bon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) on 1st March. If he will examine it, he will see that the matter is really related to the structure of the International Labour Office.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWill not the right hon. Gentleman bring it to the notice of the League of Nations?
§ Sir J. SIMONI am afraid I could not answer further in reply to a supplementary question. There is considerable difficulty in seeing by what process that could be done.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it not a fact that the great triumph of the Roman Catholic Church over the pagan working men of Austria has resulted in large con- 1798 versions, if not to Christianity, at least to the understanding of the advantages of conformity?