HL Deb 17 December 1934 vol 95 cc421-2

Petition for a Bill to effectuate the withdrawal of the people of Western Australia from the Federal Commonwealth of Australia and for other purposes, read.

THE MARQUESS OF ABERDEEN AND TEMAIR

My Lords, in presenting this Petition on behalf of the Government, the Parliament, and the people of the State of Western Australia, I only wish to say this, that the right of petitioning the Crown and Parliament for the redress of grievances is acknowledged as a fundamental principle of the Constitution, and it is in order to afford the State of Western Australia facilities for availing themselves of this right that I am presenting this Petition to your Lordships' House.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (VISCOUNT HAILSHAM)

My Lords, the statement which has been made by my noble friend Lord Aberdeen in referring to this Petition seems to me to raise matters of grave constitutional importance having regard to the relationship between the Dominions and this country which is at present in force. I do not think that the position in relation to these questions is free from doubt, and I do not think it is one that we can hastily determine. In these circumstances, before the Petition is actually received, I should be grateful if your Lordships would give me a little opportunity of considering the issues involved and, perhaps, of tendering advice to your Lordships, preferably when we reassemble at the end of next month. If your Lordships would do that, I hope by that time to be in a position to offer your Lordships some advice as to what seems to be the most convenient course of dealing with the questions involved.

NOBLE LORDS

Hear, hear.

Petition ordered to lie on the Table.

WORKINGTON GAS ORDER, 1934.

BISHOP'S STORTFORD GAS ORDER, 1934.

BERKHAMPSTEAD GAS ORDER, 1934.

EASTBOURNE GAS ORDER, 1934.

DURSLEY GAS ORDER, 1934.

LORD TEMPLEMORE

My Lords, I beg to move the Motion as to Special Orders standing in my name.

Moved, That the Special Orders, as reported from the Special Orders Committee on Thursday last, be approved—(Lord Templemore.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.