§ 25. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations the number of Africans upon the Advisory Council of the High Commission Territory of Bechuanaland, Basutoland and Swaziland.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydEach Territory has its own council or councils. The Basutoland National Council consists entirely of Africans. Its membership is 100, including the Paramount Chief. In the Bechuanaland Protectorate, the African Advisory Council has 38 members, all of whom are Africans. There is also a recently established Joint Advisory Council in the Territory which has eight African members.
In Swaziland, the African advisory body is the traditional Swazi National Council. This Council is composed entirely of Africans and is normally 1702 attended by all chiefs and prominent members of the tribe. There is no fixed membership. There is also a Standing Committee of this Council, consisting of one African representative from each of the six districts.
§ Mr. JohnsonIf the Minister thinks, as he obviously does, that the Africans have done excellent work in an advisory capacity, will he consider using them in an executive capacity and setting in motion machinery or legislation for forming executive and legislative councils in these Territories?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydA very full answer to that suggestion was given on 15th November. If the hon. Member wishes, I will send him a copy.