HC Deb 26 November 1919 vol 121 cc1789-90
47. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether the Treaty of Peace with Austria will be presented to the House of Commons in the form of a Bill and the same procedure followed us in the case of the Treaty of Peace with Germany; and, if so, when it is expected that this will be done?

Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)

The Treaty was laid yesterday. Legislation will no doubt be necessary to enable effect to be given to the-economic Clauses of the Treaty, but, as-no date has yet been fixed for ratification, I am not in a position to say anything more on the subject at present.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask why the very, important matter of the Peace Treaty with Austria is being treated differently, and the procedure adopted by His Majesty's Government different to that adopted in respect to-the German Peace Treaty?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think it is being treated differently except from the point of view of everyone—including, I am sure, the hon. and gallant Member himself—that the Treaty with Germany was more important than that with Austria, and had to be settled first.