§ 39. Mr. George Craddockasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in providing for the direct election of African representatives to the Kenya Legislative Council.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson) on 20th October.
§ Mr. CraddockDoes not the Minister agree that it is the very essence of democracy that these indigenous peoples of Kenya should have direct representation on the legislative body?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt is also the very essence of democracy—if I may say so without giving offence—that hon. Members of this House should read a very careful answer which I gave, which said that in a few weeks' time a Mr. Coutts was going out to Kenya, and, in consultation with the Africans, was going to advise upon that very matter.
§ Mr. CraddockIs it not the fact that this matter has been under consideration for quite a time and that nothing has yet eventuated? Surely the Minister can speed up the matter?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe Lyttelton Plan—as it is generally called—which is a great step forward towards multi-racial government, is not yet a year old, and the proposed visit of Mr. Coutts is a further factor in that advance. Clearly, circumstances in Kenya must be taken into account in regard to constitutional developments.