§ 47. Mr. Bramallasked the Prime Minister if he will arrange for the transfer of responsibility for the administration of the protectorates of Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland from the Commonwealth Relations Office to the Colonial Office in order that they may share in the economic development and movement towards self-government of other British territories in Africa.
§ The Prime MinisterThere are special reasons for these Territories being dealt with in the Commonwealth Relations Office, but that Department keeps in close liaison with the Colonial Office in regard to their development and affairs generally. The hon. Member may be satisfied that the Territories are at no sort of disadvantage because of this arrangement.
§ Mr. BramallIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction in these Territories because of the large part played by the Union of South Africa in their administration and the unpleasant racial policies pursued there?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Member is mistaken; they are under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth Relations Office, not the Union of South Africa.
§ Mr. StanleyIs it not a fact that these Protectorates share in all the benefits of the Colonial Welfare and Development Act just as if they were Colonies?
§ The Prime MinisterThe right hon. Gentleman is quite right.
§ Mr. BramallIs it not a fact that a large number of administrative officers in these territories come from the Union of South Africa?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is an entirely different matter. As to where the officers are drawn from is quite different from the suggestion that these Protectorates are administered by the Government of the Union of South Africa.