HC Deb 10 April 1940 vol 359 c606

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

Mr. Lawson

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman can give some explanation of the changes in this Clause?

3.57 p m.

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Sir Edward Grigg)

The explanation of this Clause is that it arises from the passage by this House some years ago of the Statute of Westminster. Some Dominions were bound by Sections 2 to 4, and some were not. Australia and New Zealand, not having adopted these Sections, their law has no extra-territorial effect under that Act. The Clause was introduced in order that the law of the Dominions of Australia and of New Zealand may apply to their forces outside Australasia. The position of Newfoundland is unaffected. The third point in the Clause is that since Australia and New Zealand have recently passed legislation similar to the Visiting Forces (British Commonwealth) Act, 1933, it is necessary for us to provide that the facilities to be afforded to such of our Forces as may be in Australasia should be governed by their legislation and not by our own. That is the sole purpose of these Amendments.

Question put, and agreed to.