§ Mr. CASSELasked the Prime Minister whether the ratification of the Declaration of London would be delayed until the Naval Prize Bill, without which the convention establishing the international Prize Court could not be carried into effect, had been passed by both Houses of Parliament; and whether it was intended to ratify the Declaration of London even if the Naval Prize Bill did not become law?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf and when the contingency referred to in the concluding sentence of the question arises His Majesty's Government will consider what action it will be in the public interest to take.
§ Mr. CASSELWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the first part of the question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot add anything further.
§ Mr. CASSELWill the right hon. Gentleman say at all events that the Government will not ratify the Declaration until the Bill had been read a third time in the House of Commons?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is not the question on the Paper, but undoubtedly that will be the case.