HC Deb 04 June 1919 vol 116 cc2005-6
64. Major Earl WINTERTON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if, before Northern. Rhodesia is incorporated in the Union or administratively joined to Southern Rhodesia, the opinion of the white inhabitants and, so far as it is possible to obtain it, of the native inhabitants will be taken to find out whether or not they are in favour of the change?

Lieut.-Colonel AMERY

Neither proposal is at present under consideration; but, in the event of any change in the administration of Northern Rhodesia being proposed, the views of the inhabitants would naturally receive the most careful consideration.

Earl WINTERTON

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will read my question again, he will see that that is not the question I put to him. Will they be consulted, or their views be taken, and not merely consideration be given? Are we to understand that these people are to be taken out of their present system of administration and put under another system without a referendum in the country as to their views? If so, will he give the House an opportunity of expressing its opinion?

Lieut.-Colonel AMERY

No, Sir; I said their views would certainly be given consideration, but I do not think I could pledge the Government to take a referendum of the native inhabitants of Northern Rhodesia.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

How can their views be ascertained unless their votes are taken?

Lieut.-Colonel AMERY

There are many ways of ascertaining people's views without a referendum.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Then it can only be by thought-reading.

Earl WINTERTON

Arising out of the question, which is one of the most importance to Northern Rhodesia, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman undertake that no action will be taken until this House has had an opportunity of expressing its opinion? Is he aware that 99 per cent. of white opinion in the country is opposed to Northern Rhodesia being placed in the Union, which General Smuts is working all he can to bring about?

Lieut.-Colonel AMERY

I am not aware of the accuracy of the last part of the question, and, as I said at the beginning of my answer, there is no question of Northern Rhodesia being incorporated.