HC Deb 11 May 1967 vol 746 cc1782-4

6.58 p.m.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Richard Crossman)

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 book-case containing Parliamentary and Constitutional reference books to the House of Representatives of Malta, and assuring Her Majesty that this House will make good the expenses attending the same. It might be for the convenience of the House, Mr. Speaker, if, in moving this Motion on the gift to Malta, I also referred to the Motion which I intend to move relating to the gift to Zambia. These Motions are in the now established tradition of the House that we send a gift to the Legislature of a Commonwealth country to mark that country's entry into the Commonwealth. It is a tradition which we are glad to honour.

The House may recall that in July, 1964, the Prime Minister, in reply to a Question, informed the House that Her Majesty's Government would propose that the House should offer to the House of Representatives of Malta a gift of a book-case containing Parliamentary and Constitutional books of reference. In June of that year the Prime Minister also approved a suggestion that the House should offer a Speaker's Chair to the National Assembly of Zambia. The Parliamentary authorities in Malta and Zambia, whose wishes were naturally consulted, welcomed this proposal and both gifts were specially designed and manufactured.

The gift to Malta is on display within the Palace of Westminster and the gift to Zambia will also be displayed shortly for Members to see.

If the House accepts these Motions, as I feel sure it will wish to do, arrangements will be made by you, Mr. Speaker, for small delegations from the House to present these gifts. We understand that presentations could conveniently be made in July.

I therefore commend these Motions to the House in the expectation that they will be accepted as an expression of our friendship and good will towards the House of Representatives of Malta and the National Assembly of Zambia.

Question put and agreed to.

Resolved,

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 book-case containing Parliamentary and Constitutional reference books to the House of Representatives of Malta, and assuring Her Majesty that this House will make good the expenses attending the same.

To be presented by Privy Councillors or Members of Her Majesty's Household.