§ 38. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the members of the Nyasaland Provincial Councils are exclusively nominated by the Provincial Governors and appointed by the Governor; whether he will consider the proposal that two-thirds of the Nyasaland African Provincial Councils should be nominated by the Nyasaland African Congress; and whether any attempt will be made to compile an electoral roll based on educational qualifications.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Colonel Oliver Stanley)Each Provincial Council consists of 20 chiefs and 5 other responsible Africans. The chiefs are chosen as far as possible by the district councils of chiefs while the Governor appoints the remaining members in consultation with the chiefs of the council. Careful consideration was given to the composition of the councils and to the method of selection of their members and I am satisfied that this arrangement is the most satisfactory at the present stage of development. The answer to the second and third parts of the Question is, therefore, that no change in the method of nomination and selection is at present contemplated.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the Minister aware that there is a demand in certain quarters that reconsideration of the basic franchise should be made; and will he not, therefore, reconsider the last part of the Question?
§ Colonel StanleyNo, Sir. I gave careful consideration to this. The experiment has only just been introduced. We must see how it works and make any necessary alterations in the light of experience.