HC Deb 05 November 1930 vol 244 cc848-9
38. Earl WINTERTON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been set by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the telegram sent him on 30th September last by the unofficial members of the Legislative Council of Northern Rhodesia inquiring whether His Majesty's Government in Great Britain would, in certain circumstances, sanction the amalgamation of the two Rhodesias; and what reply has been sent to a telegram on the same subject sent him by the Government of Southern Rhodesia early in October?

Mr. LUNN

The Government of Southern Rhodesia has been informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs that their proposal for a conference will be considered and a reply sent as soon as possible. No reply has been returned to the unofficial members of the Legislative Council of Northern Rhodesia; my m Noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies is awaiting the observations of the Governor before dealing with this matter.

Earl WINTERTON

Do I understand from the hon. Gentleman that no acknowledgment of this telegram has been sent?

Mr. LUNN

I could not. say whether an acknowledgment has been sent, but no reply has been sent, which may be a different thing from an acknowledgment.

Earl WINTERTON

In view of the fact that the telegram was sent by the whole of the unofficial members of the Legislature of Northern Rhodesia, and in view of the considerable constitutional and Imperial importance of the question, will the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that at least an acknowledgment of the telegram will be sent, even if no reply is sent?

Mr. LUNN

Yes. With regard to Northern Rhodesia, I said that no reply had been returned, but that my Noble Friend was awaiting the observations of the Governor, and they are expected in about a fortnight's time.

Earl WINTERTON

In view of the fact that the telegram was sent over a month ago, and that it was signed by the whole of the unofficial members of the Legislature, does, not the hon. Gentleman think it would be a matter of ordinary courteous practice to send an acknowledgment?

Mr. LUNN

I should think it would, but to send a reply, as the Noble Lord should know, is a matter for the Secretary of State to consider and to consult with the Governor of the Colony.