§ Read 1a.
§ 9.44 p.m.
§ LORD TEMPLEMOREMy Lords, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time. It is a somewhat complicated Bill, and I am afraid I have not had very much time to master the details of it. Its purpose is to ensure, so far as possible, that the ships and aircraft covered by it do not become available directly or indirectly for use on the side of the enemy, and that all British ships and aircraft which are required for use in the British interest during the war remain liable to the war-time powers of control (including requisitioning) of the United Kingdom. As an emergency measure and pending the enactment of the Bill, the restrictions on the transfer and registry of ships were brought into force on August 25 by paragraphs (1) and (2) of Regulation 47 of the Defence Regulations, 1939. The enactment of the present Bill will make the continuance of these paragraphs unnecessary.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Templemore.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a: Committee negatived.
§ Bill read 3a, and passed, and a Message sent to the Commons to acquaint them therewith.
§ House adjourned during pleasure.
§ House resumed.