§ 57. Captain W. BENNasked the Lord Privy Seal, whether he can state when it is intended officially to declare the War to be over; and whether he can make a statement as to the repeal of the Defence of the Realm Act?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs my hon. Friend is aware, the Termination of the War Definition Act can only be brought into force as near as may foe simultaneously with the Ratifications of Peace, and the Defence of the Realm Regulations, unless extended by a special Statute, will come to an end.
§ Captain BENNIs it necessary to wait until all the belligerent Powers have ratified the Treaty before it is possible to put a definition of the "end of the War" into being?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is necessary to wait until all the Treaties have been ratified, and until we have the ratification.
§ Captain BENNWill the Defence of the Realm Act continue until twenty-five belligerents have had opportunity separately to ratifiy the Peace Treaty?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, no. As regards the Treaty with Germany it was arranged that whenever it is ratified by three Powers it will come into force. What were the arrangements with the others I cannot now say.