HL Deb 21 July 1967 vol 285 cc570-2

2.23 p.m.

House in Committee (according to Order).

House resumed: Bill reported without amendment; Report received.

Then, Standing Order No. 41 having been suspended (pursuant to the Resolution of July 14), Bill read 3a.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS (LORD BESWICK)

My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill do now pass. At an earlier stage of the Bill, I undertook, in answer to a question from the noble Earl, Lord Jellicoe, to clarify the position with regard to Government industrial employees in Bermuda who may wish to present themselves for election to the House of Assembly. I can now confirm that it is the intention to allow Government industrial employees not only to stand for election, but also to retain their employment while serving in the House of Assembly. The question of a guarantee of re-employment, therefore, in which the noble Earl was interested, does not arise. I am very glad to be able to give this assurance, because I think it can be considered as an important, although a small, part of the process to which we referred on Second Reading of the liberalisation of the Constitution in Bermuda, and a process which I believe will continue.

With this acceptance of the need to progress steadily towards a more liberal Constitution, there is every reason to anticipate that in this beautiful island we shall see established a multi-racial society which is not only politically content and economically prosperous, but embodies all the ideals, which we all hold, for the prospects of multi-racial harmony. To build upon what has been achieved is, I think, our expectation, and I should like again to pay tribute to the contribution that has been made by the Governor—politically experienced, most approachable, the ideal man for the significant transitional period through which Bermuda has been passing. Under his guidance, and with the most able men of all races—men not only of ability, but of good will—I am sure that we can now hope to realise in Bermuda a happy, enlightened and prosperous multi-racial society. I would echo the words of the then Colonial Secretary on an earlier occasion, that if we cannot see this multiracial harmony established in Bermuda, the prospects elsewhere are very dim indeed.

Moved, That the Bill do now pass.—(Lord Beswick.)

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, before we part with this Bill, as one who has a close family connection with Bermuda I should like to echo the hopes that the noble Lord has expressed, and join with him in his good wishes for the future to this oldest of our Colonies. I should like, also, to join with the noble Lord in the tribute he has paid to the Governor, whom he and I, at any rate, know very well, and for whom we have a great respect and affection. Finally, I should like to thank the noble Lord for the explanation he has given about the industrial workers. It is good to know that there will be no obstacles to people standing and playing their part in public life. With those few words, we wish this measure a fair wind.

On Question, Bill passed.