HC Deb 08 February 1937 vol 320 cc17-8
24. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what preparations are being made by His Majesty's Government for the meeting of the Bureau of the Disarmament Conference; and what policy will be advocated by His Majesty's Government's representative?

Viscount Cranborne

His Majesty's Government have under careful consideration the questions relating to disarmament which may form the subject of discussion at the meeting of the Bureau of the Disarmament Conference next May. In this connection, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement in regard to disarmament made by the United Kingdom delegate at the Third Committee of the Assembly in October last. A summary of these observations will appear in a White Paper on the proceedings of the 17th Assembly of the League of Nations, which is, I understand, to be laid tomorrow. I have at present nothing to add to that statement.

Mr. Henderson

Do we take it that the Government still propose to act on the basis that the question of world disarmament is of urgent and vital importance?

Viscount Cranborne

Certainly, the Government believe that world disarmament is of great importance. I suggest to the hon. Member that he should read the White Paper.