HC Deb 13 August 1919 vol 119 cc1282-3

The following question stood on the Order Paper in the name of Captain W. BENN:

52. To ask the Prime Minister whether the termination of the War Definition Act will be introduced before the Allied and Associated Powers have ratified the terms of Peace?

Captain BENN

May I say that the words "Orders under" should wine before the words "the Termination."

Mr. BONAR LAW

That alters the question. I do not quite see what my hon. Friend means by Orders under the Act?

Captain BENN

When an. Order will be-made bringing the War officially to an end.

Mr. BONAR LAW

I can add nothing on that to the answer I gave my hon. Friend on the 6th August. It is settled by Statute. The Government have power to vary the Orders in Council, but only within very narrow limits.

Captain BENN

Will it be necessary to wait for the ratification of Peace by twenty-three belligerents before the War is officially declared to be ended?

Mr. BONAR LAW

There is a little want of originality in these questions. That is precisely the same question my hon. Friend put to me on the 6th August, which I then answered.

Captain BENN

I apologise for being lacking in originality, but will the right hon. Gentleman give me an answer?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I did.