HC Deb 05 March 1957 vol 566 cc181-4
48. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the pleasure felt by the British people at the decision of the independent State of Ghana to become a member of the Commonwealth; and what special celebrations are being arranged by Her Majesty's Government on 6th March to celebrate the occasion.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir; and with your permission and with that of the House, I would like to take this opportunity of adding the good wishes of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to the welcome that is being accorded all over the world to the State of Ghana on her attaining self-Government and entering upon membership of the Commonwealth.

The main ceremonies are, as is right, taking place in Accra and Her Majesty has sent a message of good wishes to the Government and people of Ghana, which will be delivered by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent after the opening of Parliament in Accra. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and Lord Privy Seal is delivering a message from me on behalf of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to the Prime Minister of Ghana. I will with permission circulate the text of this message in the OFFICIAL REPORT tomorrow, which seems to be the appropriate day, as it is the day of the ceremony.

I gave the House some account on 21st February of the arrangements made by the Government. The flag of the new State of Ghana will be raised for the first time in London tomorrow and under arrangements made by the Gold Coast Commissioner there will be a Thanksgiving Service at St. Martin-in-the-Fields on 14th March. At this service Her Majesty will be represented by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester and Her Majesty's Government will also be represented.

I might add that I have arranged to make a short broadcast tomorrow evening at 9.15.

Mr. Callaghan

Whilst thanking the Prime Minister for that reply, I wonder if he would agree that the arrangements so far announced scarcely amount to rejoicings and celebrations—even a broadcast from him? May I ask him whether he could bring a little more colour into this matter? May I ask him to consider one or two suggestions? Could we not fly public flags everywhere on Independence Day? Why not have a parade of the Services? Why not make arrangements for the Queen to meet the citizens of Ghana resident in this city? Above all, why not have a special celebration in the schools and give the children the rest of the day off as a holiday?

The Prime Minister

I shall, of course, be willing to consider any proposals that the hon. Member suggests, but I think the arrangements made are dignified, proper and in accordance with precedent. This is not the first time that in the unfolding of British policy a State has reached a position of self-government within the Commonwealth, and there will be other occasions. I think that on the whole it is better to rest upon the broad precedents. I think that the rather remarkable character of the celebrations in Accra and the very high representation which Her Majesty has thought fit to make there of herself—all these together mark the occasion suitably. I do not think that anything very much more is required, although if we can think of anything else we shall be very happy to do it.

Mr. Callaghan

I have put forward what I think are four good suggestions; may I ask whether the Prime Minister will seriously consider these matters, because in the new expanding Commonwealth in which we are living we must really take some part in the celebrations and rejoicings as well as allowing them to go on in Accra?

The Prime Minister

I will consider the suggestions made by the hon. Member, but I do not think it very likely that I shall adopt them.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Although the Prime Minister has drawn attention to the fact that this is not the first Colony to emerge to independent status, does he not realise that there is a particular feature on this occasion, namely, that this is the first coloured Colony to emerge to Dominion status? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Is not that an opportunity for giving a lead to other peoples in Africa? Will the right hon. Gentleman not reconsider his reply with a view to making this a more spectacular occasion?

The Prime Minister

Although I am sure that the intentions of the hon. and learned Member were sincere, I do not think that they were very happily phrased, if I may say so. If there is something more that we can do we shall try to do it. I was glad to read in the newspapers that the hon. and learned Member has made a notable contribution.

Mr. Gaitskell

In expressing the hope that the Prime Minister will consider the suggestions made by my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan), may I ask the Prime Minister whether he will bear in mind, in preparing his broadcast, that on this occasion he will be speaking not for the Government alone, but for the country as a whole?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir; I will take that suggestion in the very courteous, helpful, and friendly spirit in which I know it was intended.