HC Deb 06 April 1951 vol 486 c519
Mr. Eden

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if His Majesty's Government will take any steps to mark the Jubilee of the Commonwealth of Australia this year and the hundredth anniversary of full parliamentary government in New Zealand which falls in 1952.

The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Gordon-Walker)

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Government have authorised me to propose to you, Mr. Speaker, that you should, on behalf of this House, offer to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia the gift of a Mace; and that you should likewise offer to the Parliament of New Zealand the gift of a Chair for their Speaker. These gifts would be tokens of the goodwill of this House and of the British people to the Parliaments and peoples of Australia and New Zealand. They would carry our hearty congratulations to the people of Australia and New Zealand on the historic anniversaries which they are shortly to celebrate and our best wishes for their continued happiness and prosperity.

Mr. Eden

Perhaps I might be allowed to say, as one who has recently been a visitor to both these Parliaments, how appropriate I am sure the whole House feels this gesture is, and how glad we are that you, Mr. Speaker, should undertake it on behalf of all of us.

Mr. Speaker

I shall be very happy to undertake this duty.