§ 1. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when Her Majesty's Government proposes to extend self-government to the British Somaliland Protectorate, in view of the United Nations decision that Somalia shall become independent in 1960; and what opportunity will be given to the Protectorate to become incorporated in a Greater Somalia.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Brigg (Mr. E. L. Mallalieu) and to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson) on 6th June, 1956. The OFFICIAL REPORT for that day contains the statement of policy for the Somaliland Protectorate which was made on 29th May, 1956, by my noble Friend, the then Under-Secretary of State, when he was visiting the Protectorate.
§ Mr. BrockwayThose replies were eighteen months ago, and there have been happenings since. In view of the very close identity between the Somali peoples and the sense of frustration that there will be in 1960 if some of them have independence and others do not, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to have discussions with those people for the purpose of achieving an agreed advance towards unity and independence?
§ Mr. BrockwayYes.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIn regard to events in 1960, I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 5 of the statement to which I have referred. With regard to talks with other Governments, I would 1005 refer him to the Answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary to the hon. Member for Rugby on 27th January.
§ Sir R. RobinsonWill my right hon. hon. Friend say whether there is any possibility of the government of British Somaliland being carried out without a financial subsidy from the United Kingdom by 1960?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNone whatever, I should say.