§ Mr. ADAMSONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the decisions of the Washington Conference have to be submitted to Parliament for legislative enactment within 12 months of the date of the closure of the Conference, and that this period expires on the 27th January next; and whether he is now in a position to state the Government policy on the maternity proposals of the Conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government are aware of their responsibilities under Article 405 of the Treaty of Versailles, and are devising machinery in accordance with the law and practice of the constitution for giving effect thereto. I would, however, point out to my right hon. Friend that in exceptional circum- 659W stances a period of 18 months is allowed for taking the action prescribed under Article 405, although I hope that there will be no occasion for the Government to avail themselves of this extended period?