HC Deb 27 July 1955 vol 544 cc1171-2
19. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will require that the proposed Section 28 (a) of the Interpretation Ordinance of Northern Rhodesia should be revised so that, until the Legislature is elected by all races on a democratic basis, orders setting aside land in the Native Reserves, or grants of rights of occupancy in Native Trust Lands or the acquisition of Native Trust Land for public purposes, or the setting aside of Native Trust Land for game and forest reserves, should be given under the hand of the Governor and not of the Minister.

Mr. Hopkinson

This Ordinance applies only to the interpretation of local legislative enactments and Government notices. The responsibility of the Governor for the matters mentioned in the Question is established by United Kingdom Orders in Council, on which the new Section 28A of the Interpretation Ordinance has no effect.

Mr. Zilliacus

Does that mean that it is the Governor who is responsible for grants of rights of occupancy of Native Trust Land, and not the Minister?

Mr. Hopkinson

Yes, Sir.