HL Deb 23 November 1939 vol 114 cc1892-3

12.45 p.m.

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

My Lords, in the absence of my noble friend the Leader of the Opposition, I should like to put the question that stands in his name.

[The Question was as follows: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any statement to make regarding the co-operation of His Majesty's Government with the International Labour Organisation in view of the forthcoming discussion of the League's budget at Geneva.]

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (VISCOUNT HALIFAX)

I am glad to be able to assure the noble Lord that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom maintain their full interest in all the activities which the League of Nations can carry on in present circumstances. In particular His Majesty's Government have shown their full approval of the decision of the Governing Body of the International Labour Office to attempt to continue its work as completely as conditions will allow. The two meetings of the Emergency Committee of the Governing Body have both been attended by a representative of His Majesty's Government, and an official observer has been sent to the Regional Conference of the American States Members of the International Labour Organisation now in session at Havana.

These are examples of the sympathetic interest which His Majesty's Government continue to take in the work of the International Labour Office, and they trust that other Governments will demonstrate the same interest, particularly in regard to the provision of funds to enable the organisation to maintain its efficiency. This question of the finances of the International Labour Organisation, as indeed of the League as a whole, will, by an agreement just reached between the members of the Assembly, be discussed by the Fourth Committee on December 4, and His Majesty's Government's representative on that Committee will naturally bear in mind the importance which His Majesty's Government attach to seeing the work of the International Labour Organisation carried on as effectively as possible in present conditions.

House adjourned during pleasure.

House resumed.