HC Deb 13 March 1957 vol 566 cc1124-5
28. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Nyasaland Government have withdrawn recognition from the Nyasaland African Congress at representing African associations.

29. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Government of Nyasaland now refuse to recognise the Nyasaland African Congress.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The Nyasaland Government have withdrawn recognition of the Nyasaland African Congress in the terms in which such recognition was originally accorded in December, 1944, namely, recognition of Congress as representing the various African associations in Nyasaland. Congress will not, however, cease to be recognised for what it is that is, a political party.

Mr. Swingler

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why this step has been taken? Who is now recognised as representing the African association in the Colony, or is it proposed to recognise several associations as such and, if so, what is to be the machinery for negotiation?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Yes, Sir. I am quite satisfied that, having been there myself and having seen that when the last figures were taken the nominal membership of the Congress was approximately only one thousand, to claim that this body represented all Africans was absurd, and with my full approval this change has been made.

Mr. Johnson

Despite his figures, will not the right hon. Gentleman confirm the fact that this is the one Colony in the Commonwealth where an African political congress has had the full support for ten years of the traditional chiefs and elders of the enlightened people? Is not that the fact? Secondly, is it not the fact that when he was there he had a stormy meeting with the African National Congress led by Mr. Wellington Chirwa?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Certainly not, and if the hon. Gentleman thought that a stormy meeting his experience of English elections must be very limited.

Mr. Johnson

Forgetting the usual flippancy of the Minister, can he give me a factual answer, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Speaker

I thought there was an answer, but whether or not it was a satisfactory one I cannot undertake to say.