§ 14. Mr. SNELLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Union Government of South Africa has asked the Imperial Government to transfer to its administration certain areas of the Protectorate of Bechuanaland; and whether he can assure the House that an opportunity will be provided for discussion before any such transfer is agreed upon?
§ Mr. AMERYI assume the hon. Member has in mind the areas of European settlement in the Protectorate adjoining the Union, representatives of which areas discussed with my predecessor during his visit to South Africa the possibility of their incorporation in the Union. The matter has not, however, developed further. The House of Commons has been assured by successive Secretaries of State that it will be consulted before any steps are taken to transfer the Protectorate to the Union. His Majesty's Government do not contemplate the transfer of the Protectorate in the near future, but in the event of any proposal for the transfer of the European blocks separately, the point raised by the hon. Member will be borne in mind.