§ Mr. A. Woodburn (Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire)On 14th June, the House authorised four of its Members to present on its behalf a bookcase containing books of constitutional and Parliamentary value to the Parliament of Kenya.
The delegation consisted of the right hon. Member for Stafford and Stone (Mr. Hugh Fraser), the hon. Member for Leicester, North-West (Sir B. Janner), the right hon. Member for Harrogate (Mr. Ramsden) and myself. We were accompanied by Mr. H. R. M. Farmer, Clerk Administrator (House of Commons Services).
It is my pleasant duty to report that our mission has been accomplished. Our mission received everywhere a warm welcome, and representatives of both Houses attended in the Library, where the ceremony of presentation took place. Both Speakers accepted that gift with appreciation.
At the following sitting of the House of Representatives, the Minister of State to the President's Office moved the following Resolution:
That this House expresses its warm appreciation of the generous gift of a bookcase, con- 268 taining books on parliamentary affairs, which it received this day from a delegation of the British House of Commons to commemorate the attainment by Kenya of independence; and records also its gratitude to the House of Commons both for the past guidance and for the continuing encouragement which that ancient House has given to this younger Parliament.I hope, Mr. Speaker, that in accordance with precedent you will direct that this Resolution shall appear in the Journal of the House.The Resolution was spoken to by members of the Government and of the Opposition, who all paid tribute to the benefits which had accrued from our experience and practical help. Mention was specially made of the willing assistance and guidance received from you, Mr. Speaker, and your Department.
We were privileged to meet many people playing distinguished parts in the life of Kenya and to visit educational, political and other institutions, and everywhere they and we joined in the pride of achievements which have been realised by the co-operation of our two peoples. We were especially impressed by the absence of any feelings of racial differences and the common patriotism of all in the great task of building a new nation and realising the great potentialities of their country.
While, of course, Kenya will have the whole world as a reservoir of knowledge and experience to draw from, it was clear that all Kenyans took great pride and pleasure from their close ties with our country. On such a basis of friendship and mutual respect, both countries can look to happy and fruitful relationships in the future.
The Hon. Speaker of the House of Representatives desired us to thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your personal letter of greeting and good will, which we carried to him on your behalf.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am sure that the House would wish me to thank the right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues for the way in which they carried out the mission which we entrusted to them, and I am certain that the House would wish me to direct that the Resolution which has come from Kenya should be entered in the Journal of the House.