HC Deb 13 March 1957 vol 566 cc1109-10
9. Sir L. Plummer

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the demands of the African National Congress of Northern Rhodesia for constitutional changes; and what reply the Government have made to them.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The African National Congress addressed a letter to me last November putting forward various proposals for constitutional changes which I had the opportunity of discussing with Mr. Nkumbula and others in the course of my recent visit to Northern Rhodesia. These proposals, together with the views of all other sections of the African and European communities, are now being considered by the Government of Northern Rhodesia who have begun the series of consultations with representatives of all groups in Northern Rhodesia to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson) on 6th February.

Sir L. Plummer

Would the Colonial Secretary himself give attention to the points of view expressed by these people? He is aware, of course, that the African National Congress was opposed to the imposition of Central African Federation. In view of that attitude, if he wants it to work, is it not essential that he should bring his counsel and judgment to bear on the very important questions put to him by the African people?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I certainly did so, and still continue to do so. I only hope the energies of these people will be concentrated on worth-while objectives and not on sterile controversy as to whether Federation was or was not a good thing.

Mr. J. Johnson

In spite of the fact that the Minister saw Mr. Harry Nkumbula—which we all welcome—is it not the fact that the Governor and his officials do not officially recognise the Northern Rhodesian African National Congress? Is not this obscurantist and mediaeval, because this Congress is the only movement which almost universally stands for all political movements and is recognised as such by all Europeans except the Governor and his secretariat?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I saw Mr. Nkumbula with the full agreement of the Governor. The African National Congress does not represent all Africans in the Territory. It has an important point of view, and I was very glad to meet its leader.