§ 11. Mr. LEWISasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the approximate amount in sterling that has been contributed to date by this country to the expenses of the League of Nations and the approximate amount in sterling, at the current rate of exchange, of overdue subscriptions from other countries for the same purpose?
§ The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Mr. Eden)The approximate total of the contributions of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to the expenses of the League of Nations, including the International Labour Office, was, up to the end of 1933, £1,469,800. The contributions in arrear from other countries on the 31st January, 1934, amounted to gold francs 29,401,856.41, equivalent, at the current rate of exchange, to £1,872,700.
§ Mr. LEWISWill my hon. Friend on behalf of this country put forward the suggestion that those who make no contribution to the expenses of the League should take no part in the management and direction of its affairs?
Captain CAZALETIs there any limit to the number of years a country can be in default before we take an action?
§ Mr. EDENThere is no statutory limit, of which I am aware, but my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Mr. Lewis) is aware that this matter has been constantly before His Majesty's Government, and we are doing our best to secure the payment of arrears.
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONCan the hon. Member say whether the Chinese arrears have been paid up?
Captain CROOKSHANKIs it not important that as many countries as possible should be represented at Geneva?