§ 12. Sir L. Ungoed-Thomasasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what representation was made to the Central African Government by Her Majesty's Government about the future composition of the African Affairs Board, when the objections of the African Affairs Board to the Constitutional Amendment Bill and the Franchise Bill were overruled by him.
§ Mr. AlportNone, Sir.
§ Sir L. Ungoed-ThomasDoes the Minister realise that as the result of his overriding the objections of the African Affairs Board to these Bills it was inevitable that the settlers should obtain a majority on the African Affairs Board? Does the hon. Gentleman realise that that majority has made the African Affairs Board as a safeguard for African interests absolutely useless? Is that the policy of Her Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. AlportI do not for one moment accept what the hon. and learned Gentleman says. The composition of the African Affairs Board is laid down in the Constitution. It consists of three European members and three African members.
§ Sir L. Ungoed-ThomasWill not the Minister direct his mind to my question? I am perfectly aware of the composition of the African Affairs Board. Let me repeat what I said. Does the hon. Gentleman not realise that as the inevitable result of his overriding the objections of the African Affairs Board to the two Bills referred to in the Question, the settlers get a majority on the Board? Does he not recognise that as a result of that, the African Affairs Board as a safeguard for African interests is absolutely useless? Is that the policy of Her Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. AlportThe hon. and learned Member has twice said that the settlers get a majority on the Board. He said that he knew the composition of the Board, which, he will realise, consists of three Europeans and three African members.
§ Sir L. Ungoed-ThomasElected members, of course—elected now by the majority party.