§ 2.41 p.m.
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE EARL OF HOME)My Lords, the 2nd March of this year was a landmark of some significance in the history of the Commonwealth because it was on that day that the Governor-General of Pakistan consented to the Republican Constitution, and it was on that day, too, that the Constituent Assembly passed a resolution that Pakistan, although she was a Republic, wished to remain in the Commonwealth. So I am happy now to move this Bill, the object of which is quite simple: to secure that the rights and privileges which the people of Pakistan enjoy under the law of the United Kingdom shall be maintained in their new status. Without this Bill those rights and privileges would lapse. Clause 1 therefore provides that 449 the conditions which apply personally or to the goods and property of the people of Pakistan in this country to-day shall continue to apply. There are. too, what might be called certain minor attributes and advantages of the Commonwealth relationship which under this Bill will also be maintained.
The people of Pakistan have given much thought to the form of her Constitution, and in this they have been wise. Our Constitution has been running for some hundreds of years, and even now from time to time it gives us a little trouble. Nevertheless, we think it is the best of its kind. It is based, in our opinion, on sound principles, but it is, nevertheless, flexible enough to meet the changing needs of the people who are its masters. It is therefore a matter of great satisfaction to us to-day that Pakistan has adopted die British model for her Parliamentary system, and we can hope and trust that it will bring unity and strength to the nation. I have myself lately, in other fields, had the opportunity to see how Pakistan is showing a new strength of purpose and vitality. It was not easy, after the partition of the subcontinent of India, for the people of Pakistan to set about the task of building up their administration or their industry and commerce. Yet in the last seven years the country has. I think, achieved marvels.
In the economic field, Pakistan is making steady improvement, and more and more she is playing a constructive part in world affairs and shouldering the responsibilities of an independent and a great country. I should like to say now how much the United Kingdom values the association with Pakistan in these fields of activity, which lead, we hope, to the increased security, peace and prosperity of the world. If to-day we have any regrets that Pakistan should cease to be a Dominion, they are swallowed up in our hopes and aspirations for her future. There is no limit to the benefit which our varied Commonwealth of free and adult peoples can confer upon mankind if we act together with understanding and wisdom. I am sure that your Lordships, in giving a Second Reading to this 450 Bill, will send your good wishes to our friends as they set out on this great adventure with us to-Jay. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.— (The Earl of Home.)
§ 2.46 p.m.
§ LORD PETHICK-LAWRENCEMy Lords, in rising to associate noble Lords on these Benches with the Motion before the House, I desire to say that we are glad that the great people of Pakistan, with whom we have had so many happy associations in the past, have created a Constitution to their liking, and, still more, that they have decided to remain with us in the Commonwealth. We are confident that from their so doing, both we and they will derive much mutual benefit. It is a particular pleasure to me on this occasion to be flanked by my noble friend Lord Attlee who, as Prime Minister, played a notable part in the birth of Pakistan, and on my right by the noble Viscount, who went with me to the Indian sub-continent in 1946 and who worked so hard to solve the intricate political problems of that country. They have desired me especially to associate them with my expression of welcome to the new Republic, and to wish to it many years of growing prosperity and fruitful contributions to the welfare of mankind.
LORD REAMy Lords, it is hardly necessary for me to add that we on these Benches wish the best of luck to this Bill and all that it entails, and all that it will bring about the future. It is customary to refer to such a measure as non-controversial. In this instance, it seems to me that that is a gross understatement, and I would only add that we wish that it will achieve all it seeks to achieve. I endorse the remarks of the noble Lord on my left, that it is fortunate that this Bill should go through on the day that the noble Earl, Lord Attlee, who is about to address your Lordships' House, should be making a maiden speech here on a subject not unallied with this.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a; Committee negatived. Then, Standing Order No. 41 having been dispensed with (pursuant to Resolution), Bill read 3a, and passed.