HC Deb 08 March 1923 vol 161 cc714-5
56. Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. NORTONGRIFFITHS

asked the Prime Minister whether any communications have been received by His Majesty's present Government, or the last, with reference to the embodiment of the Protectorate of Uganda, the Protectorate of Zanzibar, and that portion of the East Coast of Africa which is a Protectorate of Great Britain, the Crown Colony of Kenya, as well as the mandate of Tanganyika territory, in the Union Government of South Africa; whether he will take steps to ascertain the views of the Union Government, the Governors, and High Commissioners in connection with this matter; and will he consider whether such a union would be beneficial to all the States concerned and also assist towards further economies in our Civil Service Department?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

I have been asked to answer this question. No communications of the kind referred to have been received, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies is not prepared to take any steps in the matter.

Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

In view of the various matters now being discussed between this country and Kenya Colony, will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of mentioning this matter to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, with a view to see whether or not it is advisable to take this matter up, with the object mentioned in the question?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I will consider that.

Mr. SPEAKER

It is the same question over again.