Empire Day Celebration

HC Deb 20 June 1951 vol 489 c500

25. Mr. Stevens

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the ceremonial celebration of Empire Day in the Gold Coast was not held this year.

Mr. Dugdale

The hon. Member is misinformed. Empire Day was in fact celebrated in the Gold Coast, as a public holiday and the officer administering the Government broadcast a message which was transmitted or read to all schools. It was, however, decided to discontinue the parades of school children which have taken place in previous years.

Mr. Stevens

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that there is a substantial difference between the ceremonial celebration of Empire Day and the type of celebration which was in fact carried out?

Mr. Dugdale

I am satisfied that the Gold Coast Government hold the view, which has already been stated publicly by Mr. Nkrumah, that they intend to remain in the Commonwealth. That being so, they would naturally celebrate Empire Day in a fit and proper way as members of the Commonwealth.