4. Mr. CREECH JONESasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that protests have been made by persons or bodies representing native interests in Southern Rhodesia against the pass system embodied in the recent Natives Registration Act, on account of the hardship caused to the African community and the interference with native trade in the townships; and whether he will make representation to the Government for modification of the Act as it affects the native population?
§ 6. Mr. AMMONasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will make a further statement regarding the protests made to the Government in Rhodesia against the passage of the Natives Registration Bill; and whether he is now satisfied that such protests were received by that Government?
Mr. M. MacDONALDI have been informed by the Governor of Southern Rhodesia that representations regarding certain clauses of the Natives Registration Act were made to the Chief Native Commissioner in Southern Rhodesia by the Native Association after a draft of the Bill had been published in the Gazette for general information. These representations received full consideration by the Southern Rhodesia Government, and as a result various amendments were made in the Bill before it was passed.
§ Mr. AMMONDoes that mean that the right hon. Gentleman's answer to the hon. 2250 Member for Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle) on 26th May last was incorrect?
Mr. MacDONALDI am afraid it does. I made that answer on information telegraphed to me from Southern Rhodesia. I am afraid that information was inaccurate, and this answer corrects what I then said.