§ 19. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to make a statement regarding the changes in the Legislative Council of Uganda; and if he will receive a deputation from the Uganda National Congress on this and other matters related to constitutional changes in the Colony.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs the Acting Governor has recently stated, with my approval, in his speech opening the new Session of the Legislative Council, it is the present intention to introduce at the 1665 beginning of the new financial year in Uganda on 1st July next the changes in both Executive and Legislative Councils of the Protectorate which were proposed by the Governor last September and approved by Her Majesty's Government last November. Some, but of course only some, of the changes proposed in Legislative Council are, however, contingent on Buganda agreement to participate.
It was necessary, in connection with the Estimates presented to the Legislative Council, for the Acting Governor to make clear his hope that these arrangements could be introduced on 1st July with the full participation of Buganda; but I should like to make it clear that there is no desire in any way to prejudge the attitude of Buganda in advance of the forthcoming meeting of the Lukiko.
I have been asked by the Uganda National Congress to receive a delegation to negotiate self-government for Uganda within the Commonwealth as a matter of urgency. I have replied that the arrangements for constitutional advance in the Protectorate, to which I have referred, are in my view a satisfactory basis for the next stage in the progress of Uganda towards self-government as a primarily African State, and that in the circumstances I am not prepared to receive a delegation for the purpose it has indicated.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhile expressing appreciation of that very full reply, might I ask the right hon. Gentleman two questions? The first is whether the Uganda National Congress does not interpret these new arrangements as some repudiation of the view that Uganda should become primarily an African State? Secondly, I should like to know whether, in view of the fact that his predecessor was prepared, after a first refusal, to receive a similar delegation from Malaya, the right hon. Gentleman will reconsider his refusal to meet a delegation from the Uganda National Congress?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIf the Uganda National Congress has that particular view, then it is wholly misinformed. I hope that it will realise that after studying with care the documents in the case. As to receiving a delegation, I do not recognise any claim of this body to come to see me. I am not prepared to discuss the internal affairs of Buganda save with 1666 representatives of the Buganda Government or the Lukiko.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydCertainly not. I thought that reference was made in particular to Buganda. I am prepared at all times to meet delegations from the Governments of the territories concerned, but I am not prepared in this case to receive this deputation.
§ Mr. BrockwayMay I give notice that, if there is an opportunity, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment?