HC Deb 27 June 1957 vol 572 cc395-6
14. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what official discussions between the four races who are represented on the Legislative Council of Kenya have taken place on the possibility of constitutional changes before 1960.

30. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement upon the further progress in constitutional advance in Kenya following the recent meeting of the European elected members of the Legislative Council led by Sir Charles Vincent and the African Elected Members under Mr. Tom Mboya.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have nothing to add to the repy made by my hon. Friend to the hon. Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. K. Robinson) on 5th June.

Mr. Brockway

In view of the fact that the Asian Group in the Legislative Council has supported the African Group in asking for further representation, is it not possible in order to ease the situation in Kenya to bring some pressure to bear upon the European Group to meet with them and come to an agreement?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The meeting was actually started through the initiative of the Europeans. I think practical results are more likely to be ensured by the less we talk about it at this stage in this House.

Mr. Johnson

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think he has been much too negative in this matter? Would he consider sending out a constitutional adviser to the Colony to help those unofficial talks which are going on between the Europeans and Africans?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No, Sir, I think it is a very positive contribution to enable all the races in Kenya to face the big responsibilities which lie ahead of all of them.

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