HC Deb 26 May 1936 vol 312 cc1815-7
29. Mr. CREECH JONES

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can make a statement in regard to the expansion of the term "native" and consequent restrictions as embodied in the recent Southern Rhodesian Native Pass Consolidation Amendment Bill?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

The definition of the terra "native" contained in the Bill in question is similar to that which has been adopted of recent years in other Southern Rhodesia legislation. I understand that the object is to clarify the position of half-castes who were born and live as natives in the native reserves.

Mr. JAGGER

Are we to take it that the question whether a man is a native depends upon whom he lives with?

30. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the dissatisfaction with the Southern Rhodesian (Native Registration) Bill which has been expressed by representatives of the natives' interests and by the municipality of Buluwayo, he will advise His Majesty to withhold his consent to this Measure?

Mr. MacDONALD

I am informed that no expressions of dissatisfaction at the Bill have been received by the Southern Rhodesia Government from representatives of native interests in the Colony, and that such criticisms as were made by other local interests were for the most part concerned with points of detail and have been largely met by amendments of the Bill in Committee. The Bill passed all its stages without a Division and has now been assented to by the Governor. I am now awaiting a copy of the legislation as amended, but in the circumstances I see no reason to suppose that I should be justified in taking the action which the hon. Member suggests.

Mr. LENNOX-BOYD

May I ask whether, in the case of native legislation passed by a Dominion Government, the right of disallowance is still vested in the Imperial Crown despite the Statute of Westminster?

Mr. MacDONALD

In the case of Southern Rhodesia, which is not a Dominion, the right of disallowance still continues.