HC Deb 13 May 1958 vol 588 cc211-2
39. Mrs. Castle

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give an assurance that he will not surrender his power to control the issue of passports for British protected persons in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland and therefore the right of hon. Members of this House to raise any question arising out of the issue of those passports.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The Federal Constitution provides for discussions between the Governments of the Federation and of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland on matters of common concern. Since the Federation Government have raised certain questions relating to the issue of passports to British protected persons, it has been agreed that this matter should be discussed shortly between the three Governments concerned in accordance with the terms of the Constitution.

Mrs. Castle

Is not this Answer extremely alarming, and does not it contradict the Answer given by the Minister to me a short while ago on a similar question? Is it a fact that these British protected persons are to remain under the safeguards of the Colonial Secretary and this House, and should not the answer to my Question have been an automatic and emphatic "Yes"? Will not the Colonial Secretary's reply cause widespread alarm amongst Africans in the Federation?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

My reply means nothing more than I have said. This matter is to be discussed and points of view are being put forward.

Mr. Callaghan

Although that is so, may we ask the Colonial Secretary what advice he proposes to give to the Governors of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, for whom, presumably, he is responsible in matters of policy? Will he bear in mind that if there was any proposal that the issue of passports should be taken over by the Federal Government, it would create widespread alarm among, I suppose, the overwhelming proportion of Africans in these two Territories, who value their British connections above everything else?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

In regard to the first part of that supplementary question. I do not think it would help if I said at this stage what advice I am giving to the Governors. With regard to the second part, the point which the hon. Gentleman has put forward is clearly a very relevant one.

Mr. Callaghan

Will the Colonial Secretary give an undertaking that this matter will not be taken out of the hands of the two Northern Governments, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, without the Colonial Secretary giving the House an opportunity to express its views about it?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I will consider that.