HC Deb 04 July 1907 vol 177 cc860-1
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the steps, and when will they be taken, to carry out the desire of New Zealand to be created a Dominion.

MR. CHURCHILL

On the receipt of an Address from both Houses of the New Zealand Legislature praying that the style of the Colony may be altered to "Dominion of New Zealand," his Majesty will be advised to give effect to the request by means of an Order in Council and a Proclamation.

SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)

Will the right hon. Gentleman state in what material way the status of a Dominion differs from the status of a Colony?

MR. CHURCHILL

I think no actual legal or material consequence will follow, but the Colony of New Zealand greatly desires to acquire this new style, and we have felt it our duty to meet their wishes.

MR. R. DUNCAN (Lanarkshire, Govan)

; What will then be the proper description of the Colony?

MR. CHURCHILL

said that after the Proclamation it would be improper to refer to New Zealand by any other title than Dominion.