HC Deb 24 January 1949 vol 460 cc558-9
47. Mr. Bramall

asked 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 Minister

There 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. Bramall

Is 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 Minister

The hon. Member is mistaken; they are under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth Relations Office, not the Union of South Africa.

Mr. Stanley

Is 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 Minister

The right hon. Gentleman is quite right.

Mr. Bramall

Is it not a fact that a large number of administrative officers in these territories come from the Union of South Africa?

The Prime Minister

That 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.