§ Sir WILLIAM BULLasked the Prime Minister whether the adhesion of Great Britain to the Declaration of London will become final and effective upon the ratification of the Declaration; and, if so, whether the amendments in the law relating to Naval Prize of War enabling effect to be given to the convention mentioned in the Naval Prize Bill and ancillary to the Declaration of London can be otherwise made than by an enactment passed by both Houses of Parliament?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. McKinnon Wood)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part of the question is that an Act of Parliament is only required for the purpose of effecting such alterations in the existing Prize Court Acts as the convention referred to in the Naval Prize Bill may render necessary or desirable.
§ Mr. FELLMay I ask if the ratification will be final and effective on our side, or will it depend upon the others ratifying also?
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEFailing the passing of the Naval Prize Bill, will there be any machinery for carrying it into effect?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI think it is a question I need not answer. It does not immediately arise out of this.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPESurely the right hon. Gentleman must have had it in his mind?