§ 19. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the basis of representation in the Nyasaland Legislative Council; and whether there are any plans to afford representation to the 1,600,000 Africans and the Indians, and Europeans who do not belong to the Convention of Associations.
§ Colonel StanleyThe Legislative Council consists of the Governor, six official members and six unofficial members. The basis of representation is not racial, but one of the unofficial members, the Bishop of Nyasaland, has the special responsi- 1986 bility among the unofficials of representing African interests. I am not in a position to make any statement regarding the future.
§ Mr. MathersIn view of the fact that a struggle is going on in the world at present for the smaller States, would it not be well for the Minister to use his powers to make some contribution in this direction, here, or will it be necessary to have a war about it?
§ Colonel StanleyI do not think there is any question of having a war in Nyasaland about it. During the last year, I have been able to show a good many steps towards democracy in the Colonial Empire.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the Minister say how many Africans, Indian and European representatives, respectively, there are now on the Legislative Council?
§ Colonel StanleyThese non-officials are all Europeans.