HC Deb 03 December 1957 vol 579 cc217-8

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

106. Mr. J. GRIFFITHS

To ask the Lord Privy Seal in what manner Her Majesty's Government propose to mark the inauguration of the West Indies and the opening of the new Federal Legislature in April next.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)

Mr. Speaker, with your permission and that of the House, I should like to answer Question No. 106.

Her Majesty's Government have authorised me to propose to you, Mr. Speaker, that you should, on behalf of this House, offer to the West Indies the gift of a Mace for use in the House of Representatives. The gift would be a token of our good will and welcome to the new Legislature, and it would carry with it our warm congratulations to the peoples of the West Indies and our best wishes for their future happiness and prosperity.

Mr. J. Griffiths

May I associate my right hon. and hon. Friends with that suggestion and commend it to you, Sir? The gift will carry with it our very best wishes to all the West Indian people and our hopes for the success of this very interesting and great venture in the West Indies?

Mr. Speaker

I shall, of course, be happy to do as the House desires in this matter. The matter will have to be made regular later on, of course, by the usual Resolution.