§ 40. Mr. Bennasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations when it is proposed to establish legislative councils in Basutoland, Swaziland, and Bechuanaland.
§ Commander NobleAs Her Majesty's Government have frequently stated, it is their policy to encourage the formation of representative institutions in the High Commission Territories. These institutions are at present being developed at the local government level. In each of 824 the three Territories there is already an African Council with advisory functions. In Swaziland and Bechuanaland there are also European Advisory Councils and in Bechuanaland there is a Joint European and African Advisory Council. These Councils are consulted on all matters of importance affecting them. At the present stage of political development of the High Commission Territories, it would be premature to consider the establishment of legislative councils.
§ Mr. BennWithout in any way running down the existing council, may I ask whether the hon. and gallant Gentleman will not recognise that we really have to take a fresh initiative in the Protectorates? Can he not hold out some hope of legislative councils, or at any rate that it is in contemplation by the Government?
§ Commander NobleAs I think the hon. Member probably knows, the Basuto have asked for a legislative council and my noble Friend has suggested that they should take such powers in matters affecting the Basuto only. That matter is now being considered by them. I think that our policy in this matter is the same as that of our predecessors ; good progress is being made and it would be quite wrong to try to "pressure cook" this kind of organisation.