§ 18. Rear-Admiral BEAMISHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the amendments to the draft convention concerning the immunity of states in respect of maritime property have now been accepted by other Governments concerned; what is the nature of the amendments; and what are the prospects of early ratification?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThis matter is still the subject of negotiation, and I am unable to say what are the prospects of early ratification of the Convention. The object of the proposed amendments to the Convention is to make clear the sense in which His Majesty's Government understand the Convention. The amendments relate mainly to safeguarding the position of ships of war and other ships on Governmental non-commercial service.
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the draft was submitted to the other Governments?
§ Mr. GRAHAMNo, Sir, not without notice. As the hon. and gallant Member must know, this is a long-drawn-out process. I can quite easily get the date.
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise the extreme importance to shipowners, bankers, dock and harbour authorities of getting this Convention agreed to?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThere is very great force in that point, but, unfortunately, other countries have to be consulted. Hence the delay.