§ 49. Sir PERCY HARRISasked the Prime Minister whether the Governments of His Majesty's Dominions have been consulted on the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Munitions to Spain) Bill; and whether they propose to ask their respective Parliaments to pass similar legislation?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)I have been asked to reply. The Bill does not apply to ships registered in the Dominions, and therefore no question of consultation with His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions arises. They have been informed of the proposal to legislate on this subject. I am not aware whether any of them contemplate taking similar action.
§ Sir P. HARRISHas the right hon. Gentleman consulted the Foreign Secretary on the matter, because if the Dominions are not to be included, the embargo will necessarily not be effective? Will he make representations to the Dominions to see that the same conditions are provided for by similar legislation?
§ Mr. MacDONALDThe whole matter has been considered in consultation with the Foreign Office, and the Dominions have been informed of our intention to legislate. I think the question that the hon. Baronet raises is largely an academic one, as there are very few Dominion registered vessels of the type concerned.
§ Mr. DALTONAre there not a number of Australian vessels, for instance, which fall within this category, and is it not most desirable not only to inform the Dominions of our decision but to invite their opinion?
§ Mr. MacDONALDWe have not taken any decision affecting the Dominions; therefore, consultation prior to our legislation was quite unnecessary. I am advised that there are very few Dominion registered ships of the type that might be involved.
§ Sir P. HARRISWould it not be very serious if a Canadian ship were stopped in these conditions and found carrying arms? Would it not be wiser, as the Foreign Office does represent the Dominions, to persuade them formally to pass similar legislation?
§ Mr. MacDONALDIf there were any evidence that Dominion registered ships were likely to be involved, certainly one would have to consider the matter further, but on the present evidence I do not think that further action is necessary.
§ Mr. ATTLEEAre we to understand that in these rather critical international questions there is no previous consultation with the Dominions when action of this kind is being taken?
§ Mr. MacDONALDIt is quite unnecessary to consult the Dominions with regard to legislation in this House unless that legislation is going to affect the Dominions.
§ Sir P. HARRISWill the right hon. Gentleman consult the Foreign Secretary again? Obviously it does affect them.