HC Deb 05 July 1956 vol 555 cc1508-9
2. Mr. Hale

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations the estimated total cost of the administration of the High Commission Territories expended in South Africa.

Commander Noble

The amount expended annually in the Union on the Territories section of the High Commissioner's Office is £51,000. Figures showing the amounts spent in the Union on the Bechuanaland Protectorate headquarters in Mafeking and on miscellaneous services and supplies by the Governments of the three Territories are not readily available.

Mr. Hale

Would it not be greatly to the advantage of these Territories if this money were spent within the Territories instead of being spent within the Union?

Commander Noble

This Question asks only about cost. The next Question refers to the subject the hon. Member has raised.

3. Mr. Hale

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether, in view of the increase of discriminatory race legislation in South Africa, he will take steps to transfer the headquarters of the High Commission Territories from South Africa to some suitable place within the Territories.

Commander Noble

No, Sir. There is no place in any of the three Territories which would be equally convenient for the other two, and the present arrangement offers greater advantages.

Mr. Hale

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that it is not merely a matter of convenience? In view of the pressure which, we understand, has been put on the Government within the last day or two for the surrender of these Territories, does not the matter become one the first importance? Is not an excellent way of expressing our disapproval of racial policy in the Union to say that we will have the headquarters of the Territories within the Territories which we control?

Commander Noble

Members of our Diplomatic and Civil Services are often called upon to live in countries where opinions prevailing are much different from their own, but they have no difficulty in maintaining their own identities.

Mr. Dugdale

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that it is necessary for the High Commissioner to perform two completely conflicting duties and that it is quite impossible for him to do so, situated as he is in the capital of the Union of South Africa? He does not visit the Territories as often as he might. Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that, until the Territories have a capital of their own, they cannot be developed in the manner in which they should be developed?

Commander Noble

I am afraid that I do not agree with the right hon. Gentleman. We consider that the present arrangement is to the advantage of the Territories, for inevitably their economic problems are closely connected with those of the Union and they benefit in many ways by the High Commissioner being in close contact with the Union Government. With regard to his not visiting the Territories, he does so as often as he is able, and he is shortly visiting Swaziland.

Mr. Dugdale

Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman think it a good thing for the British Ambassador to America at the same time to be Governor of Jamaica?

Mr. Speaker

That seems a quite different question.