§ 21. Mr. Robert Gibsonasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the range of modern naval guns is well over three miles and that non-British ships firing guns outside the three-mile limit may endanger British lives and property ashore, he will without delay cause negotiations to be entered into with the League of Nations and with countries not members of the League for the area of territorial waters to be extended considerably beyond the present three-mile limit?
§ Mr. ButlerThe general extension of the limit of three miles for the breadth of territorial waters would be contrary to the interests of this country.
§ Mr. GibsonDo not the present circumstances in which privateers are wandering 480 about the North Sea create a new situation?
§ Mr. ButlerThe answer to the hon. and learned Gentleman's perfectly legitimate question is that that matter has been taken into consideration in framing this reply.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsMay I ask my hon. Friend whether the proposal in this question would not apply to a larger area in which we could not operate?