HC Deb 19 December 1947 vol 445 cc2021-2
Mr. Gammans

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if His Majesty's Government will make the offer of a gift of a Speaker's chair and a mace to the Parliament of Ceylon, as a token of the goodwill of this House and of the British people to the Parliament and people of Ceylon on the attainment of full self-government.

The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker)

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Government have decided to offer the gift of a motor car to the Government of Ceylon, for the use of their Prime Minister. They have also authorised me to propose to you, Sir, that you should, on behalf of this House, offer to the Parliament of Ceylon the gift of a chair for their Speaker, and of a mace, with our warm congratulations on their attainment of fully responsible self-government, and with our best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of their people.

Mr. Gammans

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the pleasure which this graceful gesture will give to the people not only of this country but of the whole Empire? May I further ask whether it will be possible for you, Mr. Speaker, as Speaker of this House, to make that gift in person to the people of Ceylon, and would it be possible for the Speaker's Chair to be made from the oak of Westminster Hall or the "Victory"?

Mr. Clement Davies

I hope, Mr. Speaker, that you can accede to the request made to you on behalf of the House. I am perfectly sure that this would be welcomed not only by the whole House but by everyone throughout the Empire.

Mr. Speaker

I am afraid that I cannot answer the question put by the hon. Member for Hornsey (Mr. Gammans) but only that put to me by the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations. Naturally, I will gladly make this offer on behalf of the House of Commons. I assume of course that I shall have the warm approval of hon. Members on all sides of the House. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] It will be necessary to put the matter in regular form and for a Resolution to be passed, as we did in the case of the Caen books, when we reassemble after the Christmas Recess.

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