African Advisory Council

HC Deb 27 March 1958 vol 585 cc581-2

37. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations when the African Advisory Council was instituted in Bechuanaland Protectorate; what is the present composition of the Joint Council; and what plans he has for this developing into a legislative council for the Protectorate.

Mr. Alport

The African Advisory Council of the Bechuanaland Protectorate was instituted in 1920. The Joint Advisory Council is composed of the Resident Commissioner who presides, eight Members of the European Advisory Council appointed by that Council, and eight Members of the African Advisory Council appointed by that Council. Officials attend the meetings as appropriate in relation to the agenda. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Accrington (Mr. H. Hynd) on 20th March.

Mr. Johnson

What is to be the political future of this Protectorate? Would not the Minister agree that the more that African leaders—particularly Bamangwato leaders—are pulled in to govern their own affairs and settle their own business the healthier it will be, and the longer we keep them in what appears to be a political kindergarten the worse it will be for that society?

Mr. Alport

The hon. Member will be aware, as a result of a previous Answer I gave upon this subject, that we are in the process of extending the advisory council system to the tribal level. With his experience of this matter I am sure he will agree that it is best to start building upon a firm basis at a local level rather than try to start from any other level.

Mr. Johnson

Is the Minister not aware from his own talks and discussions with the Bechuana leaders that they do not share his view and that, at the same time as the local levels are being developed, they would like to have this central administration built up, with their own people talking about their own affairs and making their own decisions as to what should be done in their own Territory?

Mr. Alport

I have had an opportunity of hearing the views of the leaders who were over here recently with regard to this matter.