Oral Answers to Questions — Colonial Territories – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 26 November 1964.
Lieut-Colonel Sir Walter Bromley-Davenport
, Knutsford
12:00,
26 November 1964
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he is aware that medical practitioners and others concerned with the treatment of leprosy are proscribing the use of the word "leper" in view of the fact that the odium associated with this word has done much to prevent the co-operation of communities concerned and hence the eradication of the disease; and whether he will give an assurance that this consideration is borne in mind by the staff of his Department, and of the Colonial Medical Service.
Mr Anthony Greenwood
, Rossendale
I know that some people have suggested that lepers and leprosy should be known by other names. Changes in the English words, however, are not likely to have much significance among those communities where the disease is commonest. I believe that my Department's efforts, and those of the Medical Service in the Colonies, should continue to be devoted to direct attack on the disease and on the misconceptions which surround it, rather than to trying to cloak it in another name.
Lieut-Colonel Sir Walter Bromley-Davenport
, Knutsford
In view of all the facts in this case, would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the remarks made recently by his right hon. Friend —
Mr. Deputy-Speaker:
Order. The hon. and gallant must relate his supplementary question to the Answer.
Lieut-Colonel Sir Walter Bromley-Davenport
, Knutsford
In view of the use of the word "leper", would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the remarks made recently by his right hon. Friend —[Interruption.] Hon. Gentlemen opposite cannot take it.
Mr. Deputy-Speaker:
Order. I am afraid the hon. and gallant Gentleman cannot get his supplementary question into order.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
The Speaker is an MP who has been elected to act as Chairman during debates in the House of Commons. He or she is responsible for ensuring that the rules laid down by the House for the carrying out of its business are observed. It is the Speaker who calls MPs to speak, and maintains order in the House. He or she acts as the House's representative in its relations with outside bodies and the other elements of Parliament such as the Lords and the Monarch. The Speaker is also responsible for protecting the interests of minorities in the House. He or she must ensure that the holders of an opinion, however unpopular, are allowed to put across their view without undue obstruction. It is also the Speaker who reprimands, on behalf of the House, an MP brought to the Bar of the House. In the case of disobedience the Speaker can 'name' an MP which results in their suspension from the House for a period. The Speaker must be impartial in all matters. He or she is elected by MPs in the House of Commons but then ceases to be involved in party politics. All sides in the House rely on the Speaker's disinterest. Even after retirement a former Speaker will not take part in political issues. Taking on the office means losing close contact with old colleagues and keeping apart from all groups and interests, even avoiding using the House of Commons dining rooms or bars. The Speaker continues as a Member of Parliament dealing with constituent's letters and problems. By tradition other candidates from the major parties do not contest the Speaker's seat at a General Election. The Speakership dates back to 1377 when Sir Thomas Hungerford was appointed to the role. The title Speaker comes from the fact that the Speaker was the official spokesman of the House of Commons to the Monarch. In the early years of the office, several Speakers suffered violent deaths when they presented unwelcome news to the King. Further information can be obtained from factsheet M2 on the UK Parliament website.
