HC Deb 10 April 1957 vol 568 cc118-9W
25. Mr. Knox Cunningham

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will make available at request copies of the English translation of the Rhine Navigation Convention, referred to in Section 6 of the Administration of Justice Act, 1956, to legal libraries, lawyers and other members of the public.

Mr. Neave

The authentic languages of the Rhine Navigation Convention are French and German. There is therefore no English text and no official English translation of the Convention exists. Although unofficial translations have been made, I consider that it would be undesirable to make them available on the basis suggested by my hon. Friend, since this might create the impression that the translations had an authenticity and legal significance for which Her Majesty's Government could not vouch.