§ Sir J. Mellorasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs why no explanatory memorandum accompanies the Merchant Shipping (Registration of New Zealand Government Ships) Order, 1946 (S.R. & 0., 1946, No. 1086); and if he will explain the effect of Article 13, which specifically refers to 437 sections of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, and to three other Statutes.
§ Mr. BottomleyThis Order was not regarded as falling within the category of those calling for explanatory memoranda. The purpose of the Order, which was issued at the request of His Majesty's Government in New Zealand, is to provide for the registration of New Zealand Government ships as British ships in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Acts which are the relevant law in force in New Zealand. The effect of Article 13 is to exempt New Zealand Government ships from various legal requirements applicable to British ships generally.