§ 10. Mr. Dayasked the Prime Minister what is the gross figure in sterling contributed by His Majesty's Government towards the general expenses of the League of Nations for the 12 months ended the last convenient date; the comparable figure for the previous 12 months; and the number of nations which have defaulted in their contributions?
§ Mr. ButlerThe contribution of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to the expenses of the League of Nations for the year ending 3ist December, 1938, is £158,440. The contribution for the preceding year was £162,773. On 31st October last nine States had not yet completed payment of their contributions due up to 31st December, 1937.
§ Mr. DayCan the Minister say what was the gross amount of the contributions on which there was a default?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir.
§ Mr. MathersDo the Government still grudge that expenditure, as they have done in previous years?
§ Mr. ButlerThe Government have never grudged this expenditure.
§ 13. Mr. Leslieasked the Prime Minister what are the terms of reference of the committee on standing charges set up by the last Assembly of the League of Nations as the result of a proposal by the British Government; who is the chairman of the committee; and who is its British member?
§ Mr. ButlerThe terms of reference of the committee are
To examine thoroughly the standing charges in the budgets of the Secretarlat and the International Labour Organisation and recommend what economies can be carried out either immedlately or in the near future.The chairman of the committee is Count Carton de Wlart (Belgium). The United Kingdom member is Sir Russell Scott.
§ Mr. LeslieWas it not understood at the League Assembly last September that the chairman would be a British representative?
§ Mr. ButlerI am not aware of that.