HC Deb 05 April 1894 vol 22 cc1457-8
SIR G. BADEN-POWELL (Liverpool, Kirkdale)

I beg to ask the Attorney General whether the terms of the Behring Sea Award Bill have received the specific approval of the Government of the Canadian Dominion; and whether the Bill is identical, so far as can be, with the Bill on the same subject now before the Legislature of the United States?

* MR. S. BUXTON

(who replied) said: (1) The Dominion Government are in general agreement with Her Majesty's Government as to the terms of the Bill, but have raised objections in regard to one or two points of detail, which will receive due consideration. (2) The American Bill differs in form from the Bill before this House, but it is understood to be substantially in accordance with the Bill which stands for Second Reading to-day.

SIR G. BADEN-POWELL

Will those points with which the Canadian Government disagree be considered before the House finally decides on the shape of the Bill?

MR. S. BUXTON

I understand the points to which I have referred will arrive by mail either to-day or to-morrow, and they will therefore be in time for the Committee stage of the measure on Monday.

* MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Was the agreement of the Canadian Government to this Bill given unconditionally, or as in the modus vivendi conditionally on compensation being given to the Canadian sealers?

MR. S. BUXTON

The Canadian Government are in general agreement with Her Majesty's Government as to the terms of the Bill, and I do not understand that they attach any conditions.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

They have not asked for compensation?

MR. S. BUXTON

Please give notice.