§ 35. Sir R. Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed to set up a legislative council for Gibraltar.
Mr. Creech JonesHis Majesty's Government had recently felt some doubt lest in a territory as small as Gibraltar the establishment of a separate legislature over and above the existing City Council might not lead to undue multiplication of 1236 authorities with a consequent burden of overhead expenses. I am now able to announce, however, that it has been approved that a legislature should be established as soon as the necessary constitutional instruments can be prepared and submitted to His Majesty. The separate existence of the City Council will be preserved.
The Legislature will consist of the Governor as President, three ex-officio members, two nominated members, of whom both may and one must be unofficial, and five unofficial elected members. The constitution will contain provisions on the subject of legislation commonly found in Colonial Constitutions, including reservation to the Governor of power to pass into law any measure necessary or expedient in his opinion, in the interest of public order, public faith or good government, including defence.
I have also proposed, and the Governor has agreed, that an expert investigation should be carried out separately into the allocation of executive responsibilities between the Central Government and the City Council with a view to securing, so far as this may not be fully achieved already, the maximum economy in the costs of administration.
§ Sir R. RossWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the very distinguishable function of the municipal council, which should be an unfettered body, and the legislative body, which must be concerned with the paramount importance of Gibraltar as a strategic fortress in the Commonwealth?