HC Deb 27 May 1954 vol 528 cc594-5
25. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations to what extent the Administrative Reforms Committee, composed of Sir Henry Moore and Mr. R. P. Bush, now touring Basutoland, will have the power to recommend that membership of the National Council shall be elective and that it shall have legislative functions.

Mr. Foster

The Committee's inquiry is concerned with the structure of Native Administration and the development of local government institutions but not with legislative functions.

Mr. Brockway

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that I have in my hand a questionnaire issued by the Committee which asks whether the present system of gaining membership of the Basutoland Council is satisfactory? Will the Committee also inquire into the question of elected members of the Basutoland Council? Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Council is asking for legislative functions?

Mr. Foster

I am not aware of what the hon. Gentleman has in his hand. Her Majesty's Government do not consider that there is need for an inquiry into legislative functions. They hold the view that the Committee should inquire into the development of local government institutions.

Mr. Brockway

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that he gave the impression that the Committee was not to deal with the question of elected representatives? I have drawn his attention to a questionnaire issued by the Committee to those who are to give evidence which asks whether the present system of gaining membership is satisfactory via the election of four members of each district council and nominations—

Sir H. Butcher

On a point of order. Might I have your guidance, Mr. Speaker, as to whether the purpose of a question is to elicit information from Ministers or to give them information?

Mr. Speaker

I was full of hope that we should come to the question in due course.

Mr. Brockway

I apologise. I did not hear what you said, Mr. Speaker, but I hope I shall be in order. Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Committee has issued a questionnaire which repudiates the interpretation which he has now placed upon the functions of the Committee?

Mr. Foster

No, Sir, I am not aware of that.