HC Deb 28 May 1936 vol 312 cc2362-3

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Mr. GARRO JONES

While I must congratulate you, Captain Bourne, upon the rapidity with which you are dealing with the Clauses, I am not able to keep pace with the proceedings. I have not been able to follow each Clause as it has been put from the Chair, and at the moment I am in ignorance as to which Clause we are passing. I would therefore ask the hon. and learned Gentleman to give an explanation of the Clause which is before the Committee at the moment in order that we may just keep it under observation.

11.43 p.m.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL

I am delighted to oblige the hon. Gentleman. We have reached Clause 18, which provides for the making of an Order in Council for giving effect to the Rome Convention, subject to such modifications as may be specified in the Order. I have already taken the opportunity on an earlier Amendment to state the attitude of His Majesty's Government with regard to this Convention. Substantially we are carrying out the bulk of the provisions in this Clause, and the Order in Council will have to do little more than make the terminology already in the Bill applicable to those who will come under it.

Mr. HOLDSWORTH

If we pass this Clause, will it in any way interfere with the promise of the hon. and learned Gentleman to reconsider the particular question raised on a previous Clause?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL

No, the undertaking which I have given is to reconsider the matter with regard to the limitation of liability, which comes under the Bill. The Rome Convention is outside our immediate control, and I cannot say whether my noble Friend will be prepared to put any modifications before the other signatories of the Rome Convention.

Clause 19 ordered to stand part of the Bill.