The British Empire was gradually dismantled by grants of independence to the colonies. Several, such as Canada and Australia, thereafter became known as 'Dominions' but were effectively independent nations. The Dominions' constitutions were established by UK Acts of Parliament. A British constitutional convention developed that no new UK Act affecting a Dominion would be passed without the request and consent of that Dominion (in recognition of their independent status). This was confirmed in the Statute of Westminster 1931, which required there to be a recital of the request and consent from the Dominion.