§ Mr. HUNTasked the Prime Minister whether he can now say on what days the Declaration of London will be discussed; and whether the House of Lords will also have an opportunity of discussing it before it is ratified?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)The Declaration of London has already been discussed in the House of Lords in a Debate which extended over three days, the 8th, 9th, and 13th March.
§ Mr. HUNTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 21st July, 1910, the Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs stated that the Declaration of London would not be ratified unless passed by Parliament, and is it not a fact that "Parliament" means both Houses?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo. It would make no difference to the action of His Majesty's Government whether the House of Lords approved or disapproved of it.
Mr. KINGMay I ask the Prime Minister whether, before the discussion on the Declaration of London in this House, he will cause an official report of the Debate in the Colonial Conference to be circulated amongst Members?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI hope it will be circulated at once. The labours of the Conference concluded to-day, and the proceedings will be published as soon as possible.
§ Sir F. BANBURYWhen does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take the Naval Prize Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am going to answer that question.
§ Mr. REMNANTIn reference to the Declaration of London, I wish to ask the Prime Minister whether, in a matter of so great and grave importance he will allow the official Whips to be withdrawn from the Division?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir; certainly not. This Declaration has been approved of by His Majesty's Government after the fullest examination and consideration of the subject. We regard it as a matter of high policy and we are not going to abdicate our responsibility by leaving it an open question.