HC Deb 22 November 1951 vol 494 c551
29. Mr. Hale

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the recent official discussions with a delegation from Basutoland and as to the nature of the undertakings given with reference to the future of the Protectorate.

The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. John Foster)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to questions on this subject put by the hon. Members for Croydon, East (Sir H. Williams), and Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes), on 15th November.

Mr. Hale

Yes, but will the hon. and learned Gentleman stop using this word "consult" and make a forthright and unequivocal declaration that the sovereignty of this land will not be transferred without the full consent and agreement of the inhabitants?

Mr. Foster

I would ask the hon. Gentleman to await the answer to Question No. 45, to be put to the Prime Minister.