HC Deb 03 May 1950 vol 474 cc1671-3
10. Mr. John Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Governor of Northern Rhodesia, when making recommendations for the appointment or removal of unofficial members of the Executive Council, acts on the advice of all the unofficial members of the Legislative Council, including the two African unofficial members; on. what differences of opinion did Mr. J. Morris lose the confidence of more than two-thirds of the elected members of the Legislative Council; and whether the two African members are also known to have expressed lack of confidence in Mr. Morris.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. The Governor, in making recommendations for the appointment of elected members to Executive Council, and their removal therefrom, takes the advice only of their elected colleagues on Legislative Council. The unofficial member who represents African interests in Executive Council is nominated by the Governor.

As regards the second part of this Question, the major difference of opinion arose from the view which Mr. Morris took of his appointment to Executive Council. He regarded that appointment as a purely personal one and considered that in Executive Council he was not responsible to his elected colleagues on Legislative Council but to his constituents. Such a contention, if accepted, would have destroyed the value of the agreements arrived at between my predecessor and the unofficial members in 1948 and 1949 on their position in Executive Council. As Mr. Morris is an elected member, the last part of the Question does not arise.

Mr. Hynd

Is it not the case that Mr. Morris was recommended for expulsion from the Council because he was the only member who voted against the resolution of the Northern Rhodesia Legislative Council in favour of central African federation? If the Governor is to take the advice only from the elected white members of this Executive Council it is not calculated to arouse confidence on the part of the African population.

Mr. Griffiths

The differences are wider than that. This arrangement was entered into between my predecessor and the official members, and having studied the matter, I do not think I ought to disturb it.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Did I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that this gentleman was censored because he sought to represent his constituents rather than the caucus? Is that the idea which is coming from the benches opposite?

Mr. Griffiths

No; if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will study my answer he will see that that is not the correct interpretation to put on it.