HC Deb 23 July 1935 vol 304 c1653
34. Mr. COCKS

asked the Prime Minister whether the declaration made on 17th July, 1929, by the then Foreign Secretary that all treaties with foreign Governments would be laid upon the Table of the House before ratification still represents the policy of His Majesty's Government?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

In order to provide opportunity for Parliamentary consideration in ordinary cases, it is still the practice of His Majesty's Government to lay treaty engagements for 21 Parliamentary days before ratification in all cases when the continuance of the Parliamentary Session makes this course practicable. When it does not, or when considerations of urgency require ratification without this preliminary, action would be taken accordingly, and Parliament would be notified as soon as may be afterwards.

Mr. COCKS

Does that represent a departure from the practice announced on 17th July?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not think so.

Mr. THORNE

Is it asking too much to suggest that the Prime Minister should have all these treaties and obligations printed as a White Paper?

Mr. JOHN WILMOT

Does what the Prime Minister has just said apply to the recent Anglo-German Naval Agreement?

The PRIME MINISTER

The hon. Member should put any specific question on the Paper.