§ 33. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are now the proposals of Her Majesty's Government for the future of British Somaliland after Italian Somaliland attains independence in 1959 or 1960.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. John Profumo)I have at the moment nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson) on 15th April. The Report of the Commission on Unofficial Representation in the Legislative Council was laid on the table in Legislative Council yesterday. I received copies yesterday and am placing 597 them in the Library of the House. My right hon. Friend is now awaiting the Governor's recommendations.
§ Mr. BrockwayDoes the hon. Gentleman appreciate the urgency of a decision? Is not it a fact that political progress has been much greater in Italian Somaliland than in British Somaliland; that the constituent assembly is to meet this year in Italian Somaliland; and that there are no elected Ministers in British Somaliland? In view of all this, will the hon. Gentleman seek to prevent the frustration which may grow in 1960?
§ Mr. ProfumoI do not think that I can answer a hypothetical question about frustration which may appear in 1960. I would ask the hon. Gentleman to await the report by the Governor, which may, of course, not be confined solely to the matters covered by the Commission.