Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

8.12 p.m.

This deals with the question of certain Dominions, and I want to ask what is being done in regard to getting Dominions to legislate to cover this situation. The right hon. Gentleman has already mentioned the question of the factories or ships being registered in the Dominions for purposes of evasion, and I understand that the particular company to which I suppose he was referring, already has one factory ship registered in New Zealand. Will he tell us whether any steps are being taken to ask the Dominion of New Zealand to legislate in time to deal with the situation so that the ship or company may be brought into line with the others?

8.13 p.m.

It is true, of course, that the Dominions are an integral part of any scheme which may eventually be adopted, but we thought it desirable first of all to get our own legislation through here, and we have had only the most informal consultation with the Dominions. As soon as it is through we shall get into touch with them, and I hope they will be able to adopt this legislation which will clear the way for subsequent discussions with British companies and with Norway. We do not anticipate that we shall be able to carry through this discussion with the Dominions in time for the present season.

Sir N. STEWART SANDEMAN:

The ships that sail from South Africa or New Zealand will not be sailing for another three or four weeks.

As soon as the Bill is on the Statute Book we shall approach the Dominions, but we must give them time and it is reasonable that they should have an opportunity of considering the matter.