HC Deb 16 July 1906 vol 160 cc1357-8
MR. LYTTELTON (St. George's, Hanover Square)

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether there are any precedents for the grant of responsible government to a Colony by Letters Patent; if there are any precedents for such a procedure for such an object, what opportunities were then given to Parliament for discussion; and at what stage of the question; if there are no precedents, what opportunities does His Majesty's Government propose to afford to Parliament for the consideration of so important a change.

THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Sir H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN,) Stirling Burghs

The nearest precedent is that of Newfoundland, particulars of which will be found in Return 142 of 1905. In that case the only discussion in this House took place on March 20th, 1855, on the Motion for adjournment. The Letters Patent cannot be discussed in detail until they are laid on the Table of the House; and they cannot be so laid before the House re-assembles in October. But His Majesty's Government anticipate that they will be in a position to make a statement on the subject of the Constitution before the House rises.

MR. LYTTELTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a pledge that the principle of these matters shall be discussed on the Colonial Vote?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

That is what I refer to; that is the occasion on which I hope we shall be in a position to make a statement.

MR. LYTTELTON

The right hon. Gentleman does not appear to appreciate my Question. I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say it is anticipated that that will be the case; the Question I ask him is whether he will give a positive pledge that such will be the case.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

No, Sir, I decline to give any pledge. I have no doubt in my own mind that it will be so, but I cannot pledge myself because I do not know. We have not yet received the Report of the Committee; it will not be in our hands till the end of this week. Altogether, it is possible; I hope that no unseen impediment will arise, but I cannot pledge myself.

SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)

Are we to understand that the Letters Patent will not be issued until the sitting of Parliament in October?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

No, they will be issued when they are ready.

MR. LYTTELTON

Are we to understand that the grant and the terms of this Constitution to the Transvaal and Orange River Colony may be irrevocable before any discussion has taken place in this House?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

No, not at all. That is to say, I trust that a statement, as I have said, of the principles on which the Letters Patent will be founded will be made before the House rises, and then the House will have an opportunity of expressing its opinion.