56. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether consultation with the Government of the Union of South Africa and High Commissioners' Territories is producing satisfactory social and economic results; and whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to proceed from these consultations to the transfer of any of the Protectorates?
§ Sir T. InskipI assume that the first part of the hon. Member's question refers to the Joint Advisory Conference, which consists of representatives of the Union Government and of the Administrations of the Territories and whose function is to study openings for co-operation in matters affecting the development of the Territories. In November last, the members of the conference made a tour of investigation in the Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland and hope to visit Basutoland later. I understand that they are considering certain proposals for co- 1890 operation in regard to the two Territories which they have visited. As regards the second part of the question, the policy of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom remains as set out in the Aide Mémoire of 1935 (Cmd. 4948) and in the joint statement made by General Hertzog and my predecessor on 29th March, 1938.
Mr. Creech JonesWould the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Union Government have yet submitted for the consideration of the Africans themselves the conditions under which transfer might be effected and the conditions which would operate in these Territories in the event of transfer?
§ Sir T. InskipThere is nothing I can add to the statement to which I have referred, which was made by General Hertzog and my predecessor.
§ Sir T. InskipI am not able to answer that question at present. So far as I know, the report has not yet been completed.
§ Mr. PalingHas the opinion of the people concerned been obtained, and what do they think about it?
§ Sir T. InskipThat is another question. If the hon. Member desires the information, perhaps he will put a question down.