§ Order for Third Reading read.
§ MR. GRAVESsaid, he still regretted the result of yesterday's Division. It had been argued that the introduction of further restrictions would cripple trade, but on looking to the Trade Returns of last year he found that we had no trade in munitions of war with either of the belligerents. He wished to know whether Her Majesty by Order in Council had the power to prohibit, if so advised, the exportations of munitions of war to either of the belligerent nations? A satisfactory assurance on that point would 1593 go a long way to remove the disappointment and concern which was felt in the country.
THE ATTOENEY GENERALreplied that, under the Customs Consolidation Act, the power did exist in the Crown to prohibit by Order in Council the export of arms and ammunition; but the power had never been, and was not likely to be, put in force unless the country was engaged in actual war, or unless war appeared imminent.
§ MR. NORWOODsaid, that as he had expressed objections to this Bill the other night, on the ground of its being in restraint of trade, he wished now to observe that the modifications it had received in Committee and upon the Report very considerably removed these objections.
§ Bill road the third time, and passed.