§ 30. Mr. A. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies whether he will take 251 the necessary action to change the name of his Department to that of Commonwealth Relations and British Protectorates Overseas.
§ Mr. SandysNo, Sir.
§ Mr. LewisIf the Secretary of State will not agree to the suggestion contained in the Question, will he find some other way of getting rid of the word "Colonies" from his administration? [HON. MEMBERS: "Silly."] It is not silly, because our friends from overseas do not like being called colonials, in view of what has happened in the past. Could not the right hon. Gentleman find another way of describing his Department?
§ Mr. SandysAs the House knows, the Commonwealth Relations Office and the Colonial Office are due to be merged as soon as possible after 1st July next year. In the interval, we shall be giving thought to what is the most appropriate name for the combined Department, but I must say straight away that I am not attracted by the hon. Member's suggestion.