AUSTRALIA—CONFEDERATION OF THE COLONIES.—QUESTION. (Hansard, 1 December 1884)

§ THE EARL OF DERBY

My Lords, I am glad that the Question which has been put to me by my noble Friend gives me an opportunity, which I very much desire to have, of explaining how this matter really stands. I have seen suggestions in various quarters that the Government have not made up their minds about this Australian Bill; that they are hesitating whether to proceed with it; and that that is the cause of the delay in bringing it in. For that statement there is no shadow of foundation. We are pledged to bring in the Bill, and we have not the least wish to withdraw from our pledge; and I am sanguine enough to believe that it will meet with very little opposition either here or "elsewhere." It is, in fact, the carrying into effect of the policy which, on the part of the Colonial Office, I suggested last year; and I am, therefore, the last person likely to be indifferent to its success. The reasons which have prevented me from bringing it in during this Autumn Session have been various. There was the inevitable uncertainty until within the last few days as to the duration of our Sittings, and the Business that would come before us; and on examining the draft of the Bill we have found various points of detail on which Amendments seem desirable; and before introducing these Amendments we have thought it well to consult the Governments of the various Colonies. We shall have their answer early in the 343 spring, and practically no time will be lost. It will be an additional advantage if the Legislatures of New South Wales and New Zealand should so far reconsider their present view as to be willing to join; but as the Bill does not create any compulsory union, but only empowers Colonies to act together for certain purposes, if they choose to unite, unanimity among the Colonies is not necessary.