§ 11. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what arrangements he makes for ascertaining the views of this House with regard to Bills introduced into, and laws passed by, the Southern Rhodesian Legislature towards which Her Majesty's Government have responsibilities under Sections 28 and 31, respectively, of the Southern Rhodesia Constitution Letters Patent, 1923.
§ Mr. AlportMy noble Friend's formal responsibilities under these Articles do 576 not become operative until legislation has been passed in its final form by the Southern Rhodesia Legislative Assembly. Any question regarding the allocation of time for the discussion of these matters. in so far as the Rules of Order permit, should be directed to my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House.
§ Mr. StonehouseIn view of the responsibility that this House has towards legislation passed in Southern Rhodesia. will the Under-Secretary ask his right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal to arrange for the House to have an early debate on these discriminatory Bills as soon as they are passed?
§ Mr. AlportAs far as I know, it has never been the practice of this House to debate legislation which is being discussed in the legislature of a self-governing country of the Commonwealth, nor do I think that it would be in order to do so.