HC Deb 07 March 1934 vol 286 cc1797-8
2. Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

asked 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. GRENFELL

Is 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. SIMON

I 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. KIRKWOOD

Will not the right hon. Gentleman bring it to the notice of the League of Nations?

Sir J. SIMON

I 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 WEDGWOOD

Is 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- versions, if not to Christianity, at least to the understanding of the advantages of conformity?