40. Mr. MALONEasked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that it is specifically provided by the terms of the Nine-Power Treaty regarding China, the Chinese Customs Tariff Treaty, the Quadruple Pacific Treaty, Articles IX, X, and IV, respectively, that these treaties shall be ratified as soon as possible in accordance with the constitutional methods of the high contracting parties he can say whether these treaties will be brought before the House for ratification, and, if so, how soon; and whether an opportunity will be afforded to the House for discussing the terms of these treaties?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe treaties mentioned by the hon. Member will be ratified as soon as possible, but the constitution of this country does not require that they should be brought before the House prior to ratification. If the rules of the House permit, an opportunity of discussing the treaties will be given by the introduction of the Bill enabling His Majesty's Government to carry out their obligations under the Naval Treaty.