HC Deb 15 December 1954 vol 535 cc1760-1
20. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will expedite the return of the Kabaka of Buganda to Uganda.

56. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has yet reached a decision with regard to the future position of the Kabaka of Buganda.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have nothing to add to the statement I made in this House on 16th November.

Mr. Robinson

Is it not clear from all that has happened since the publication of the Hancock Report that the early return of the Kabaka is a prerequisite to the success of the proposed constitutional reforms? Now that the right hon. Gentleman has had the courage to eat the words of the Minister of State for Colonial Affairs on this matter, will he take a further step on the road to political wisdom and hasten the Kabaka's return?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

If I may say so without offence, I do not know what the hon. Gentleman is talking about. The Minister of State made no statement contrary to mine on this matter. I made quite clear the new situation which, if it arose, would justify the changed policy. I have nothing whatever to add to the statement that I made, except that I am very satisfied with the sensible way in which it has been received, both in Uganda and in this country.

Mr. Alport

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that the earliest opportunity is given to the Lukiko to discuss this matter and reach a conclusion before any pressure one way or the other is brought to bear upon Uganda? That, surely, would be in accord with the psychology of Africans?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Most certainly. I believe they are, in fact, discussing it today.

Mr. Rankin

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that we do not want to add to the existing troubles that we have in the Colonies, and would he, if the Lukiko were to consider this matter and decide that they wanted the Kabaka to return, give the fullest and most favourable consideration to that decision?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No, Sir. The policy that I announced, and which was considered most carefully, after a great deal of thought, remains the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

55. Mr. Alport

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he anticipates that the decision of the Buganda Lukiko on the Hancock proposals and the future of the Kabakaship will be made.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The Lukiko is now in session and will, I understand, be considering the proposals this week.

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