54. Major PEELasked the Prime Minister whether, in respect of enemy property located within the Empire, there exists any definition of enemy common to all parts of the Empire; whether, in default of such common definition and in default of common methods of treatment of enemy property, considerable divergencies of practice are arising or have already arisen which may cause embarrassment; and, if so, whether steps can be taken to establish a common definition of enemy property throughout the Empire and a uniform treatment of that property?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am informed that there exists a certain divergence in practice between different parts of the Empire in regard to the persons who are treated as enemies and the property which is treated as enemy property. Although uniformity would doubtless be desirable, if it could be arranged, my hon. and gallant Friend will recognise that the circumstances of the different parts of the Empire naturally vary, and I fear that some divergence in practice must be accepted as inevitable.