§ Considered in Committee.
§ [Sir WILLIAM ANSTRUTHER-GRAY in the Chair]
§ 11.9 p.m.
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)I beg to move,
That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty praying that Her Majesty will give directions that there be presented on behalf of this House a Mace to the National Assembly of Uganda, and assuring Her Majesty that this House will make good the expenses attending the same.To move a Motion in these terms is one of the pleasanter duties of the Leader of the House. We take great pleasure in the fact that our own House contains gifts from other Parliaments in the Commonwealth. It is, therefore, a happy custom, which we are now following, that whenever a Commonwealth country obtains independence we send to its Parliament a gift from this House.It has been decided, after the usual consultations, that the gift should take the form of a mace. The mace is of modern design and has been commissioned by the Ministry of Public Building and Works from the young designer and silversmith, Gerald Wiles, of Birmingham. It will be very appropriate to the fine new Parliament building in Kampala, and hon. Members will be able to appreciate its craftsmanship when it is placed for display in the Palace of Westminster on 12th, 13th and 14th of next month.
If this Motion is accepted, arrangements will be made with Mr. Speaker, in accordance with custom, for a small delegation from the House to present the gift, with our best wishes, at a time convenient to the National Assembly of Uganda. I am sure that the Motion will be accepted in all quarters and that this gift will go with our good wishes to the National Assembly and the people of Uganda.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Resolution to be reported.
§ Report to be received Tomorrow.