HC Deb 10 July 1958 vol 591 cc551-2
21. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the widespread demand in Kenya for an early constitutional conference, he will arrange for such a conference to be held later this year.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No, Sir,

Mr. Stonehouse

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that the African elected members have made new constitutional proposals in an attempt to have discussions about developing a much more peaceful and settled Kenya and that the proposals for a new constitutional conference are supported by all the non-European elected members in Kenya and one European, Miss Cook? In view of that, will the Colonial Secretary use his influence to secure an early conference?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No, I am aware of the new proposals, and there is a Question about it later on the Order Paper. I see no signs that the necessary participants in such a conference, if held, would get beyond the point of disagreeing about the agenda, which was the rather unfruitful result when I tried the procedure last November.