HC Deb 10 June 1942 vol 380 cc1040-1
21. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, who compose the war committee of Northern Rhodesia and in what capacity have the persons concerned been selected; what powers have been given to the committee; and what is its relation to the Legislative Council and Governor's executive?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

With the approval of my Noble Friend, the Governor has appointed a small Committee of the Executive Council whose advice he will seek on all war matters, instead of referring them to the full Council. The members of the Committee are the Chief Secretary and the Financial Secretary who are ex officio members of the Executive Council, and two Unofficial Members of the Executive Council, one of whom is the Nominated Unofficial Member representing the interests of the African community. The other Unofficial Member is the Director of Man-power.

Mr. Creech Jones

I take it that I may be assured that this is only a temporary constitutional expedient and will have no permanent place in the Constitution of Rhodesia?

Mr. Macmillan

Yes, Sir, it is merely for the convenience of having a small sub-committee to keep up with their day-to-day business.

Mr. Sorensen

Should not there be a direct representative of the African community?

Mr. Riley

Can the Minister say whether the representative of the Africans is a native or a coloured man?

Mr. Macmillan

It is Major Gore-Browne.