§ 12. Mr. Ralph Ethertonasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs on what date the various nations of the British Commonwealth ratified the Statute of Westminster; which nations have failed to ratify; and what representations have been made thereon?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Emrys-Evans)The terms of the Statute of Westminster were approved in advance, before its passage through Parliament here, by the Parliaments of all the Dominions. The Statute contains a clause which was inserted at the request of the Governments of the Commonwealth of Australia and of New Zealand under which certain of its provisions would not apply to those two Dominions until adopted by the respective' Parliaments. A Bill for this purpose was recently passed by the Australian Parliament and received the Royal Assent on 9th October. No such legislalation has yet been passed by the New 640 Zealand Parliament. The hon. Member will see from the above that no question of representations arises.
§ Mr. EthertonDoes not the Minister anticipate that a Bill similar to that introduced in the Australian Parliament will be introduced in the New Zealand Parliament?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansI have heard nothing about any such Bill.