HC Deb 16 March 1939 vol 345 cc578-9
15. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will request the International Labour Office to publish the terms of the letter of appreciation and good will addressed by the Government of the United States to that office at Geneva recently?

Mr. E. Brown

I have no knowledge of the letter to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. Mander

In view of the great importance of this letter as showing a most genuine appreciation of this branch of League of Nations work on the part of the United States Government, will not the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to make inquiries of the International Labour Office and have the letter published in this country?

Mr. Brown

I have given this answer after full inquiries. Perhaps the hon. Member would tell me the source of his information. I have made inquiries from the International Labour Office.

Mr. Mander

Is it really the case that the Ministry of Labour has seen nothing of a letter which was published in every newspaper in the world, showing in terms of high appreciation the opinion of the United States Government of this work, and will not the right hon. Gentleman carry out the duty of this inquiry and not place it upon me?

Mr. Brown

I have already said that I have made inquiries from a responsible body. My answer is based on information given by the director there.

Mr. Mander

If I am able to bring this letter to the attention of the right hon. Gentleman, will he be good enough to take steps to have it published?

Mr. Brown

I shall be most happy to show my appreciation of this great work. As the hon. Member knows, I have often expressed appreciation of it, and that is the point of view of the Government.