asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether this country accepts the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice; and, if not, why.

The answer is in the negative. I have the matter under consideration at present.

When will the Minister be in a position to make a statement on the matter?

When the consideration is completed.

Has the Minister any idea of when that will be?

No.

Will the Minister have left the House before consideration is completed?

I have no idea of the time it will take. There are many serious considerations.

Can the Minister say if it will be completed within this session?

I have said that I have no idea of the time involved.

We shall have to ask the Minister's successor for the information.

According to accounts, that will be no problem for him.