§ 42. Mr. Mainwaringasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether a decision has yet been reached as to the publication of Lord Hailey's Report on Native Policy in the Rhodesias and Nyasaland?
§ The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Attlee)Following his visit to Africa in 1940, Lord Hailey prepared a note on the bearing of native policy on the proposed amalgamation of the Rhodesias and Nyasaland. Copies of this note have been forwarded to the Governments concerned and the question of its publication 800 has been considered. As hon. Members will appreciate, it is impossible for His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and for Parliament to give the necessary consideration to the amalgamation issue in present circumstances. It has, therefore, been agreed with the Government of Southern Rhodesia that publication of Lord Hailey's note should be deferred until due consideration of the problem of amalgamation becomes practicable.
§ Mr. MainwaringIs the issue of amalgamation not merely deferred, but also left entirely without prejudice by promise or commitment made by His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. AttleeYes, Sir.
§ Mr. AttleeI think my hon. Friend will realise that the point of not publishing the report is that it is not desired at the present time to raise all the difficult questions that can be settled only when the whole matter is considered.