HC Deb 26 July 1966 vol 732 cc1674-5

Lords Amendment: In page 2, line 25, leave out from "the" to "established" and insert: governments of the Federation of South Arabia, Aden, the Island of Perim, the Kuria Muria Islands and Kamaran, and any government (other than that of the said Federation)".

Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment.

2.31 a.m.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Overseas Development (Mr. Albert E. Oram)

On Report in this House the right hon. Member for Bridlington (Mr. Wood) pointed to the need, as he saw it, to make specific reference to the Federal Government of South Arabia. My right hon. Friend undertook to consider the matter and to take, in another place, any action that might prove desirable. The Amendment is the outcome of my right hon. Friend's undertaking.

Mr. Richard Wood (Bridlington)

As the Parliamentary Secretary pointed out, an attempt was made on Report to vary the wording of the Clause as it stood. For the record, it should be said that his right hon. Friend thought on that occasion that, as drafted, the wording was appropriate in the circumstances. As far as I remember, he was not at that time very impressed by the powerful argument which I adduced.

However, others felt otherwise, and I hope that those in the Federation who felt strongly about this, as I know they did, took the opportunity to put their views before the right hon. Gentleman, and I am grateful to the Minister for the courteous letter I received from him subsequently, in which he stated that he had changed his mind and intended to table an Amendment in another place.

I hope that I will not be ruled out of order if I ask some hon. Gentlemen opposite who are rather anxious to abolish' another place to remember that it does occasionally perform a very useful function in correcting Ministers' mistakes.

Question put and agreed to. [Special Entry.]