HC Deb 31 July 1958 vol 592 cc1555-6
1. Mr. Brockway

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what decision has been reached on the proposal of the Joint European and African Advisory Council for Bechuanaland that a legislative council should be established; and what action is being taken to establish legislative councils in Basutoland and Swaziland.

The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. C. J. M. Alport)

As I informed the House on 24th July, we are awaiting the High Commissioner's comments on the resolution of the Joint Advisory Council for the Bechuanaland Protectorate relating to legislative powers.

My noble Friend informed the Basutoland Council in May, 1956, that he was prepared to consider proposals for giving the Basutoland Council power to make laws on certain matters. The Basutoland Council have this week been considering a report on constitutional reform containing proposals for submission to my noble Friend.

No proposals are at present formulated for constitutional changes in Swaziland.

Mr. Brockway

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that detailed reply, may I ask if he does not think it time that this arrogance of these three Territories being governed by the personal decree of a High Commissioner living in another country was ended? Will he, during the period of the Recess, give his very active mind to the establishment of legislative councils in Bechuanaland, as has been demanded, and as is being demanded by the Basutoland National Council?

Mr. Alport

There is no question at all of arrogance in these matters, and any hon. Member who has any first-hand knowledge of the high standard of administration reached in those Territories will be proud of the achievement that it represents. As the hon. Member is well aware—and, indeed, as I have said in my Answer—proposals are coming forward as a result of committees that have been considering the constitutional future in Basutoland, which will be considered in due course by my noble Friend.

Mr. J. Johnson

Is the Under-Secretary aware that we are all delighted with the liberal speech that he made in Pretoria during his tour, in which he is reported as saying that he hoped to see the constitutional evolution of the three Protectorates in the same way as our Colonies in other parts of Africa? Will he confirm that report? If so, we will wish him all power in his efforts in the coming months.

Mr. Alport

I think the hon. Gentleman had better await the outcome of the consideration of the proposals which are to come forward in due course from the Territories to my noble Friend.