HC Deb 23 February 1937 vol 320 cc1826-7
45. Mr. Leach

asked the Prime Minister the conditions under which the Government would be prepared to proceed with a policy of disarmament?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Baldwin)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reference to disarmament made in the speech of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the Assembly of the League of Nations on 25th September last, and to the statement made by the United Kingdom delegate to the Third Committee of the Assembly in October. The conditions on which His Majesty's Government are prepared to proceed with a policy of disarmament emerge clearly from these statements, of which a full summary is contained in Cmd. 5365 of 31st December, 1936.

Mr. Leach

Will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that these declarations of his Ministers are followed up by definite action on the part of the Government before he finally leaves his distinguished office?

The Prime Minister

I think the whole question is a very difficult one to discuss by way of question and answer. There will undoubtedly be an opportunity shortly of another Foreign Office Debate, and perhaps the hon. Member will raise the question.