§ 23. Mr. Bairdasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when proposals for a revised Constitution for the Government of Northern Rhodesia will be announced.
§ Mr. MaclayThe Northern Rhodesia Legislative Council resolved on 13th December last that constitutional discussions should begin in the territory during the first quarter of 1957. My right hon. Friend does not therefore expect to receive any proposals from the Governor in the near future.
§ Mr. BairdIs it not a fact that the present Colonial Secretary recently made it clear that he seems to be in favour of the Federation proposals, which were not supported by a single African leader, and has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the report in The Times of 10th January of a speech made by the Colonial Secretary, in which he said that the government must be a partnership in the hands of civilised people. What does the Minister mean by "civilised people"?
§ Mr. MaclayI really cannot feel, with respect, that that supplementary question relates either to the original Question or to my reply to it.