HC Deb 21 June 1938 vol 337 cc868-9
13. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether His Majesty's Government are committed to the principle of transfer to the Union of South Africa of the High Commissioner's territories; whether the terms under which these territories would be administered and controlled in the event of their transfer have yet been communicated to him; and when he expects to be in a position to inform the House about these terms?

Lord Stanley

The position of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in this matter was made clear in my predecessor's statement in the House on 29th March. As then explained, it is contemplated that the terms on which His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa would propose that the Territories should be administered in the event of transfer will be set out in the memoranda which are to be issued by the Union Government. As, however, I stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 14th June, it is not expected that these memoranda will be available for some little time.

Mr. Creech Jones

Are we to understand from the reply of the Minister that there has been no change in policy on this question of transfer, since the exchange of views in the early part of this year?

Lord Stanley

We have made no change at all since the statement was made in this House by my predecessor, to which I have referred in my answer.

Mr. Creech Jones

Is the policy of the Government the same as it was before the recent exchange of views?

Lord Stanley

I think I answered that question myself only a few days ago. The policy is exactly the same.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the Minister aware that a considerable number of protests have already been made by members of the Basuto tribe?