§ 23. Sir J. LONSDALEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that efforts are being made to bring to this country from Australia for smelting zinc and other ores which have hitherto been sent to Germany, but these schemes are delayed by the uncertainty prevailing as to whether the contracts entered into before the War with German smelters would be legally enforceable in this country at the conclusion of the War; and if the Government will take steps to resolve these doubts, so that the companies concerned may proceed with their arrangements?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir J. Simon)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, I am presenting, at the commencement of Public Business to-day, a Bill which should enable any doubts which may exist as to the effect of War on such contracts as these to be rapidly resolved by judicial decision. As the advantage to be secured by this Bill largely depends on its being promptly passed, I am arranging to provide Members with the print of it forthwith.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose that we should go on with the Bill right away?
§ Sir J. SIMONThat will be entirely for the hon. and learned Gentleman and the House to decide. If they prefer that the Bill should not come on till later, of course it will not come on.