HC Deb 04 March 1941 vol 369 c766
45. Mr. Stokes

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government intend to carry through the transfer of land in the Colonies and the completion of the terms in connection with the leasing of naval bases to the United States of America, without first referring to Parliament?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

I would invite attention to the Reply which I gave to the first part of the Question asked by the hon. Member on 3rd December, which applies equally to questions arising out of the leasing of the areas referred to as to the leasing of any further areas for naval or military bases.

Mr. Stokes

Are we to understand that the Government feel free to dispose of British Colonial possessions without reference to this House? Is the Lord Privy Seal aware of the genuine concern felt by the inhabitants of some of these possessions at the clandestine way in which their revised constitution has been dealt with?

Mr. Attlee

In reply to the second part of the supplementary question, the answer is "No." In reply to the first part, I can only refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given.

Mr. Stokes

I beg to give notice, in view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the replies I have had on this subject, that I shall raise the matter at the earliest possible moment.