HC Deb 09 March 1955 vol 538 cc442-4
40. Mrs. White

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the basis of representation at the conference on constitutional changes in Nyasaland.

83. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the arrangements for the discussions at Zomba regarding constitutional changes in Nyasaland.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The discussions on constitutional change in Nyasaland are being held between the Governor and five representatives each of the European, African and Asian communities in Nyasaland, together with the nominated member of Legislative Council representing African interests.

Mrs. White

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of bringing in direct representatives of such political organisations as exist, following the precedent set by Lord Chandos in Nigeria, so as to give them a feeling of responsibility for any conclusions reached?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I shall certainly bear that in mind in the future, but conditions are not the same in Nyasaland and Nigeria, and I think that the conference convened by the Governor was wisely held, and I am awaiting his full report.

Mr. Johnson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the chief matter is that of the parity of numbers on the Legislative Council? There are six Africans as opposed to six Europeans and Asians. Does he think that enough to ask for, in view of the fact that it is an African State with a population of 2½ million Africans and only a few thousand Europeans and Asians?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I think I had better await the Governor's report.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Since this will be a substantial change in the Constitution of Nyasaland since Federation, and since under the Federal Constitution what remain to the territorial Governments are, in substance, those matters which concern the Africans most intimately, will the right hon. Gentleman give serious consideration to the views put forward by the Africans that, in that setting, they should now have parity? Will full consideration be given to that, in view of the changed circumstances?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I shall certainly bear in mind what the right hon. Gentleman says, but I think I must await the Governor's report.

43. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what answer he has given to the request of the Nyasaland African Congress that he should visit the Protectorate to deal with the deadlock caused by the Africans' rejection of the new constitutional proposals.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have not received such a request.

Mr. Rankin

If he does receive such a request will the right hon. Gentleman give it very favourable consideration indeed in view of the fact that this new Constitution is going to cause serious trouble in Nyasaland? Does he believe that proposals whereby 5,000 Europeans and 7,000 Asians are going to have six representatives on the Legislative Council [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."] while 2 million Africans have five [HON. MEMBERS: "Order."] and at the same time℄

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member's question is really very long. It is more like a speech, and would require a speech to reply to it, I think.

Mr. Rankin

With due respect, Mr. Speaker, it is not as long as some of the answers. There are, at the same time, no representatives on the Executive Council. [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."] Does the right hon. Gentleman approve of that?

Mr. Stokes

May I ask whether in fact the real trouble in Nyasaland is that the African bosses are now to be deprived of their power to persecute their brethren?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am not quite certain what the right hon. Gentleman means. This I do know, that the future of Nyasaland and of the other two Territories in the Federation would have been a much poorer one had this Government not resolutely taken this step, which the last Government wanted to take but did not dare to undertake.

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order. Is it in order for Tory back benchers to try to prevent us from putting proper questions to the Secretary of State on matters of public importance?

Mr. Speaker

I cannot prevent the House from occasionally showing its opinion of questions and answers, or of sentiments which are uttered. That is beyond my control. Hon. Members can choose the right way to avoid demonstrations of that sort.