§ 3. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider holding another African conference, similar to that held in London in 1948.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe opportunities for inter-territorial consultation have improved considerably since 1948, and I do not consider that a repetition of the 1948 conference would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. JohnsonWould the Minister agree that the last conference was a huge success and an enormous inspiration to the African people? Does he not think that there is still a need for a get together of the people to discuss African education and African agriculture besides the more important issues of constitutional development?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI readily agree that the 1948 Conference was very valuable indeed. It was held in the after-math of war to consider the problems 1178 then thrown up, and since the war we have had a number of regional conferences. But I will always bear it in mind and there is nothing final about my answer.
§ Mr. BrockwayMay I congratulate the right hon. Member upon his new appointment and ask whether he considers that the present situation warrants a discussion with representatives of the colonial peoples just as much as the situation after the war; and if he would consider following the precedent of his predecessor and inviting not merely representatives of the Legislative Councils but representatives of popular organisations?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI certainly intend to follow all the many good examples set by my noble predecessor. While thanking the hon. Member for his congratulations, may I tell him that we are having talks all the time and that I hope to pay as many visits to the Colonies as he and other hon. Members will allow me.