§ 27. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can now make a statement on increased African representation in the Kenya Legislative Council.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe African members have asked for increased African representation in the Kenya Legislative Council. This is one of the aspects of constitutional development on which I have been able in the last few days to have useful talks with the Governor, the three elected European Ministers and the Asian Minister for Works and with Mr. Mboya and Mr. Ngala. These helpful and friendly talks have helped me to clarify a number of the issues involved.
I am hoping to visit East Africa later in the year and to be available to take part at an appropriate stage in the further discussions in Kenya which will clearly be necessary.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhilst welcoming the announcement that the Minister intends to go to East Africa to carry on these discussions, may I ask him that when he is there he will do his utmost, in view of the fact that the Asians and the Arab groups have endorsed these African claims, to secure also endorsement by the European group?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIf by "African claims" the hon. Member means claims to increased African representation, I could not, of course, deal with that question in isolation from other aspects of the constitutional problem, but I welcome the recognition by the European-elected members that in certain circumstances an increase in African representation should be a feature of any settlement.