HC Deb 16 April 1923 vol 162 cc1657-8
28. Mr. J. H. SIMPSON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will inform the House of the terms of the representations made by the United States Government with regard to the export of liquor from West Indian ports?

37. Mr. FOOT

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any representations have been made to this country by the Government of the United States with reference to the unlawful importation of intoxicating liquor into America; and, if so, what these representations were?

Mr. McNEILL

I cannot, in answer to a question, give the actual terms of the representations made by the United States Government, but the suggestions they have made are that restrictions should be placed on the transfer of United States vessels to British registry, and that a treaty be concluded containing reciprocal provisions authorising the authorities of the British and American Governments respectively to exercise a right of search of vessels of the other beyond the three-mile limit of territorial waters.

Mr. SIMPSON

Can the hon. Gentleman lay Papers on the Table of the House, or revert to the practice which obtained during the War, and lay Papers in the Library?

Mr. McNEILL

I will consider that.

Mr. FOOT

Has any answer been made yet to the representations of the United States Government?

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

Will the hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that in no circumstances will we agree to have our ships searched outside the three-mile limit.?

Mr. McNEILL

In reply to the hon. Member for the Bodmin Division (Mr. Foot), answers have been sent and we have shown every desire to meet the United States wherever possible.

Mr. PRINGLE

Did you not say that we were in favour of the freedom of the seas?