HC Deb 23 February 1955 vol 537 cc1267-9
32. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the universal opposition in British Somaliland to the United Kingdom-Ethiopia Agreement of 29th November, 1954; and what consultations he has had with the Secretary of State for the Colonies in this matter.

Captain Duncan

On a point of order. May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the last part of the Question now being asked and inquire whether it is in order, in view of the fact that I have always thought that the Government were regarded as one and that it was not in order to ask whether consultations have taken place with other Ministers?

Mr. Speaker

I think it may be that the hon. and gallant Member is correct, but that will probably be embodied in the answer.

Mr. Turton

The reply to the Question is that my hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies will be making a statement on this matter after Questions.

Mr. Johnson

While not anticipating that answer, may I ask the Minister if it is not a fact that the 1897 Agreement was signed without the understanding and knowledge of the Sultans of Somaliland, that it undercut the settlement of 1884, that over 50 years went by without their knowing that they were in this part of Abyssinia, and that it came as a bombshell to them a few weeks ago?

Mr. Speaker

I think the hon. Gentleman had better wait until the Question is answered at the end of Questions.

Captain Duncan

As the question has not been answered by the Minister, may I ask you again, Mr. Speaker, whether it is to be regarded as a precedent and that we can now ask one Minister whether he has had consultations with another?

Mr. Speaker

I do not see anything out of order in asking for information of a general character, but the House should realise that the doctrine of the House is that Ministers are supposed to act in concert with one another. Asking what consultations have taken place between Ministers is really a waste of time.

Mr. Callaghan

With regard to the first part of the Question, which I understand is completely in order, may I ask the hon. Gentleman why the Government entered into this Agreement at this time, in view of the position in Somaliland, and what truth there is in the allegation that it is because oil interests are at work in this area that the Government are making these arrangements?

Mr. Turton

If the hon. Gentleman will await the statement of my right hon. Friend, he will fully understand the position.

Mr. Callaghan

I do not think the hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friend will be able to say why the Agreement has been entered into at this time. The Agreement is signed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Will he tell us why it is made now?

Mr. Speaker

I do not think we can discuss this matter until we get the answer to the Question.

Mr. J. Dugdale

Surely, as the hon. Gentleman has said that the Agreement was actually signed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, he therefore has responsibility for this Agreement?

Mr. Speaker

The Secretary of State for the Colonies can answer for his right hon. Friend perfectly well.

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