§ 21. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which parts of the Empire have now 16 passed reciprocal legislation in connection with the Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act, 1920; and whether those parts of the Empire which have not yet passed such legislation have announced their intention of doing so in the near future?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORELegislation reciprocal to the Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act, 1920, has been passed throughout Australia, in New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, Southern Rhodesia, in all the Colonies not possessing responsible Government and in all British Protectorates. In Canada the question of such legislation is one which falls within the jurisdiction of the several Provinces, and it is understood that the Provincial Governments are not at present prepared to take steps for the passage of such legislation.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Provincial Governments of Canada as to the great hardship this country is suffering from the failure to pass the necessary legislation?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREWe cannot make representations direct to the Provincial Governments, of course, but the matter is under the consideration of the Dominion Government.