HC Deb 26 April 1950 vol 474 c940
11. Mr. Alport

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the memorandum circulated by the Tanganyika Government to the unofficial members of the Tanganyika Legislative Council with regard to certain constitutional changes was circulated with his authority; and whether the proposals contained in it represent the views of his Department.

Mr. J. Griffiths

No, Sir. My predecessor was, of course, aware that the Governor intended to discuss constitutional revision with the unofficial members of Legislative Council, but he had not received a copy of the memorandum before it was issued. As regards the second part of the Question, these are suggestions circulated by the Governor. We and he await the views of the committee which is considering the matter in Tanganyika before coming to a final conclusion on the matter.

Mr. Alport

Is the Minister aware that there has been a great deal of agitation among all the rival communities concerned, which has led to results which, on the whole, have been unfortunate? Would it not have been better to have made quite clear from the beginning what the circumstances of these proposals were?

Mr. Griffiths

These matters are being discussed by a special committee which has been set up, and I think it would be better for everybody concerned, both here and over there, to await consideration by the committee and publication of their report.