HC Deb 22 July 1958 vol 592 cc217-8
56. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why he has refused to receive a delegation from the Representative Members Organisation of the Uganda Legislative Council regarding their request for an increase of the number of representative seats on the Council.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

In my replies to the requests of the Representative Members Organisation, I explained that I could see no point in a delegation coming to the United Kingdom to pursue this matter, which had already been fully and directly submitted to me, and on which I had indicated my decision through the Governor.

Mr. Stonehouse

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that Mrs. Saben, the present chairman of the Representative Members Organisation, did not see him in her capacity as chairman? In view of the fact that all the representative members, representing all communities, are making this request, will he reconsider the matter?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

It is true that Mrs. Saben, whom I was glad to see, came to see me in her personal capacity. But, on the subject of this appeal, I have made my position quite clear since last October, and I am not prepared to consider piecemeal changes in the constitution virtually on the eve of an election.

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