§ Mr. MANDERasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government will be prepared to make all British Colonies in Africa subject to the 1424W Permanent Mandates Commission of the League of Nations provided that other countries with Colonies in Africa will take the same action?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe functions of the Permanent Mandates Commission relate only to territories which are not part of the possessions of any Power, but are administered under mandate. The activities of the League of Nations, in connection with native races, harmful drugs, labour conditions, etc. (which extend to the Colonial possessions of all the members of the League) are exercised by other Commissions and by the International Labour Office; and it is not understood why it is suggested that these activities should be associated with the work of the Permanent Mandates Commission. The question of providing for a systematic survey by the League of all Colonial Dependencies in Africa, or elsewhere, has not been raised, and it is not possible for me to say anything as to the attitude of His Majesty's Government if it were raised.