HC Deb 12 March 1952 vol 497 cc1365-6
14. Mr. A. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what African representatives from Southern Rhodesia. Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, will be invited to the resumed negotiations on the proposal for a Central African Federation; and how these African representatives will be selected.

Mr. Lyttelton

The question of representation from Southern Rhodesia is a matter for the Government of that territory. As I explained in the debate on 4th March, the African Representative Council in Northern Rhodesia and the African Protectorate Council in Nyasaland, respectively, have been invited to send deputations to London some time before the April conference to discuss with me African views on federation. I hope that some members of these deputations will stay on as delegates to the April conference. The method of selecting delegates has not yet been decided.

Mr. Brockway

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Government of Southern Rhodesia to see that African representatives are eligible for invitation to the conference? Secondly, will he apply what is known as the Griffiths formula so that nonofficial African bodies can be consulted as well as official bodies?

Mr. Lyttelton

In reply to the first part, I can only repeat that that must remain a matter for the Southern Rhodesian Government. On the second part, I think the hon. Member will agree that I must confine my invitations to the official bodies.

Mr. Brockway

I said "consultations."

Mr. Sorensen

Does the right hon. Gentleman feel that it would be appropriate to have African representatives only from Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and does he believe that his influence is without any importance at all regarding Southern Rhodesia?

Mr. Lyttelton

I should welcome African representation from Southern Rhodesia, but I cannot answer for their Government.

Mr. Thomas Reid

How many African delegates have promised to come?

Mr. Lyttelton

So far, I have received acceptance only from the African Protectorate Council. I am still awaiting an answer from the African Representative Council.

Mr. C. J. M. Alport

Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that nothing will be done to derogate from the constitutional responsibility of the Governors of Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia to represent the point of view and interests of Africans and other communities in the two territories?

Mr. Lyttelton

indicated assent.