§ 3.33 p.m.
§ Mr. John McCann (Lord Commissioner of the Treasury)On 27th July, the House gave leave of absence to four of its Members to present on its behalf a Speaker's Chair to the Parliament of the Gambia.
The delegation consisted of the hon. Lady the Member for Finchley (Mrs. Thatcher), the hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Mr. Tilney), my hon. Friend the Member for Rhondda, East (Mr. G. Elfed Davies), and myself. We were accompanied by Mr. H. R. M. Farmer as Clerk Administrator.
It is my pleasant duty to report that the mission has been accomplished. I apologise for any delay in reporting it to the House.
We attended a sitting of the Gambia Parliament, and, after the gift was accepted with acclamation, a resolution was approved in terms which I will hand to you later, Mr. Speaker. I hope that in accordance with precedent you will order it to be entered in the Journal of the House.
I should like, on behalf of the delegation, to express our appreciation of the efforts of the Gambian Parliament and, in particular, of Mr. Speaker, who went out of his way to make our stay so interesting.
§ Mr. John Tilney (Liverpool, Wavertree)Hear, hear.
§ Mr. McCannAfter the formal ceremony, we had an opportunity to move about the country, looking at the problems at first hand and discussing them with politicians and industrialists; and we met other people of the Gambia. I feel that as a result of your delegation's visit, Sir, it will not be long before the Gambian Parliament has a woman Member.
The gift which we took was a symbol of the real friendship between the Gambia and ourselves and will help to strengthen further the very strong ties between us. Your delegation feels honoured that it was allowed to take part in this very pleasant and memorable occasion.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am sure that the House would wish me to thank the delegation for carrying out its duties in the way expected of it. May I add my appreciation of those who serve the House of Commons abroad from time to time on delegations of this character. If the hon. Member for Rochdale (Mr. McCann) will bring the resolution to me, I will give directions for it to be entered in the Journal of the House.