HC Deb 22 February 1955 vol 537 cc1070-1
Mr. Dugdale

On a point of order. I put down a Question to the Prime Minister with reference to an agreement that is being made by Her Majesty's Government to transfer certain territories from the British Commonwealth to a foreign Power. The Prime Minister has transferred that Question to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. I fully realise that he is obviously entitled to do so, but my point is that, he having done so, it is exceedingly unlikely that Questions addressed to the Secretary of State for the Colonies will be reached before next Monday—and next Monday is the operative date upon which these territories are to be transferred.

In view of the Prime Minister's statement that he himself has a personal interest in seeing that the British Empire is not liquidated, will you, Mr. Speaker, allow the Prime Minister to answer this Question, or allow the Secretary of State for the Colonies to answer it, so that the people concerned may have the right to be heard before this agreement is carried into force?

The Prime Minister

My right hon. Friend has informed me that he will be making a statement upon this subject and arranging to answer Questions upon it tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker

That seems to settle that particular difficulty.