HC Deb 25 May 1897 vol 49 c1256
MR. J. F. HOGAN (Tipperary, Mid)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has seen a Dispatch from his predecessor the Duke of Newcastle, dated 18th August 1858, reserving to the Crown the right and the power of subdividing the territory then created into the Colony of Queensland, by detaching from it such northern portions as might in the future be found fit to be erected into separate colonies; and, whether the power thus reserved is still capable of being exercised by the Queen in Council?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.

I understand that the power of subdividing Queensland does not rest exclusively in the Crown, but that the authority of Parliament would be necessary.