§ LORD LAMINGTON had given Notice to move, That His Majesty's Government should lay on the Table all Papers relating to the Royal Assent having been given for the abolition of the Legislative Council in Queensland. The noble Lord said: My Lords, though your Lordships may be acquainted with the main features of the subject of my Motion, I do not propose to raise any discussion until all the facts of the case are before your Lordships' House. At the same time it is an important matter, as I think it shows how it is possible for a Constitution to be manipulated in the interests of one Party in the State. It tends also to show the value of Second Chambers. Having said this, I will simply move my Motion, and express the hope that the noble Duke who, I believe, is going to reply, will not only agree to it but will also lay before us a very complete résumé of the history—the inner history, if possible—of the abolition of this Second Chamber in Queensland.
925§ VISCOUNT CHELMSFORDMy Lords, as a former Governor of Queensland, I am equally interested with my noble friend in this Motion, and I should like to support his request. I chi not suggest for one moment that it is possible for its in any way to interfere with the self-governing powers of the Dominions, but I feel that it is most desirable in a matter of such very great importance that full publicity should be given to any correspondence that has passed between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the Dominion.
THE DUKE OF SUTHERLANDMy Lords, I am glad to be able to assure the noble Lord Lamington, who moved this Motion, and the noble Viscount, Lord Chelmsford, who supported him, that Papers will be laid on the Table shortly—within a fortnight, I think—relating to the Royal Assent which Las been given to the abolition of the Legislative Council of Queensland. They will be very full and will give not only the Despatch from the Governor but also a full Report of the proceedings of the Queensland Parliament, together with any other information that can be given to make the résumé as complete as possible.
§ LORD LAMINGTONI am much obliged to the noble Duke.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.