4. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has been in communication with the Southern Rhodesian Government on the subject of the powers of reservation in respect to legislation discriminating against natives; and whether he can assure the House that no change transferring these powers to the Colony is contemplated and that no discussions with representatives of the Southern Rhodesian Government will be initiated on this matter except at the express wish of Parliament?
§ The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)As was stated in reply to a pest-ion by the hon. Member for Penistone (Mr. McGhee) on 5th May, this matter was referred to in the discussions with the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia prior to the recent amendment of the Southern Rhodesia Constitution. There has been no subsequent correspondence with the Government of Southern Rhodesia on the subject, and no proposals for any further amendment of the Constitution are before me.
Mr. JonesIn view of the general apprehension that this question may be raised, can we have an assurance that the matter will not be pursued without the consent of this House, or at least without consultation with the natives themselves?
§ Mr. MacDonaldI think any apprehension as to it being raised in the near Future is quite misplaced.