§ 32. Mr. Alportasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement regarding the Report on African Franchise in Kenya prepared by Mr. W. F. Coutts.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs I am awaiting the views of the Kenya Government, who are at present considering the Report, I am not yet ready to make a statement.
§ Mr. AlportCan my right hon. Friend say whether it is the intention that whatever decision is made in the light of this Report that decision will take its effect at the elections which, I understand, are to be held at the end of 1956?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThat is one of the matters I am also considering.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsMay I ask whether African members of the Legislative Council will be taken fully into consultations?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI should like notice of that question. Of course, when Mr. Coutts went round he was accompanied by African assessors, including members of the Legislative Council representing each area.
§ Mr. GriffithsWould it not surely be desirable in a matter of such importance, to take the African members of the Legislative Council into full consultation before a decision is reached?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI think so, but I should like notice of that. It is a very important matter and I would rather not answer without thought, but my impression would be so, certainly.