§ 39. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has yet received any report regarding the acceptability of the proposals for the future Nigerian Constitution and Government.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Colonel Oliver Stanley)As I said in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton) on 19th April last, the Legislative Council of Nigeria on 22nd March debated the proposals and passed, without division, a resolution signifying its approval of them and recommending them for adoption. Since then I have received representations from various private bodies and individuals and these will be given due consideration.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether those representations from private bodies and individuals were in acceptance or rejection of those proposals?
§ Colonel StanleySome were in favour and some against. One, particularly in favour, came from a body with which the hon. Gentleman is in the closest sympathy.
§ Mr. SorensenWill there be a chance for the House to discuss this question?
§ Colonel StanleyThe hon. Member will recollect that I said the White Paper would not be introduced until the House had had a Debate. Recent events have, of course, prevented that opportunity arising.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonWill this matter ultimately be debated in Parliament?
§ Colonel StanleyThat is the Question I have just answered.