HC Deb 13 February 1919 vol 112 cc270-1
60. Colonel YATE

asked the Prime Minister whether the international treaty embodying the League of Nations will be submitted to the judgment of Parliament before it is concluded?

73. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Prime Minister if the British Delegation to the Peace Conference in Paris will have plenary powers to bind this country in the matter of peace terms, or whether such terms will be subject to the final ratification of Parliament?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The Treaty will be signed by the delegates of the Powers concerned, but so far as the British Government is concerned, it will not be ratified until it has been laid upon the Table and Parliament has an opportunity of expressing its opinion.

Mr. LAMBERT

Will Parliament have the power of altering the Treaty when it is laid upon the Table?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am really rather surprised that the right hon. Gentleman should put that question. Does he really think it possible that any Treaty could ever be arranged in the world if something like twenty Powers are to discuss the details of it? It seems to me quite impossible.

Sir C. HENRY

Will it be submitted to Parliament before it is presented to the enemy countries?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Oh, no, I cannot say that. The Treaty will presumably, after it has been arranged by the Allies, be signed by the enemy countries.

Mr. BILLING

Directly it is signed the Peace Conference will be dissolved, and there will be no Court of Appeal in the event of the House refusing to ratify?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That may happen, but it is hardly necessary to look so far into the future.