§ Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, after consultation with the French Government, he will approach the Government 85W of the New Hebrides Condominium and ask if the latter Government wishes for the terms of the Merchant Shipping (Liability of Shipowners and Others) Act, 1958, to be extended to the New Hebrides Condominium by an Order in Council or other appropriate means.
§ Mr. GreenwoodI am now advised that the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Liability of Shipowners and Others) Act, 1958, could only be extended to the new Hebrides as a whole by amendment to the Protocol; and that it is the responsibility of the French Government to give effect, if it so desires, to the International Convention relating to the Liability of Owners of Sea-going Ships in relation to its own nationals by appropriate modification of the French legal system. Inquiries are being made of the French Government about the extent to which it is giving effect to the provisions of the Convention in the New Hebrides.