§ 29. Mr. BANFIELD (for Mr. LUNN)asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs with regard to the draft proclamations on administration and on native tribunals, respectively, in Bechuanaland, whether and, if so, how the native chiefs were consulted before these proclamations were drafted?
Mr. J. H. THOMASAs I explained in the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on the 12th December, the actual proposals of the Government were communicated to the chiefs in the form of draft proclamations as a basis for discussion. This was clearly the most convenient method of putting the proposals forward in concrete form. I may mention that the draft proclamations were circulated in the native language as well as in English. After the discussions with the chiefs, the drafts were revised in order to meet, as far as possible, the suggestions made.