HC Deb 08 July 1953 vol 517 cc1242-3
46. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for Governmental responsibility for Malta and the Gold Coast to be transferred from the Colonial Office to the Commonwealth Relations Office.

Mr. R. A. Butler

This proposal has very recently been put forward by the Prime Minister of Malta; and may be submitted later in the year by the Gold Coast Government. The question is not a simple one and Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to make any further statement at present.

Mr. Wyatt

Is this not indicative of the fact that the Government seem unable at the moment to take any decisions in major matters? Would it not be wise to meet the feeling that exists in Malta and the Gold Coast before it is too late and when it can be met fairly and sensibly in this way? Why cannot the acting Prime Minister tell us something about it?

Mr. Butler

Had he listened to my reply, the hon. Member would have heard that the proposal from the Gold Coast has not yet been submitted. I think, therefore, that it would be reasonable to await it.

Mr. Alport

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is an urgent need to reconsider the present basis of the responsibilities of the Colonial and Commonwealth Offices? Will he consider publishing the Report of the Smaller Territories Committee which has been in the hands of the Colonial Office, I think, for some time?

Mr. Butler

I will certainly consult my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary on the matter put forward by my hon. Friend.