§ 45. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Prime Minister if, on his forthcoming visit to Central Africa, he will meet Dr. Hastings Banda and other African political leaders so as to acquaint himself with the opinions of Africans towards political and economic problems of central Africa.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)I naturally look forward to hearing all points of view so far as is possible during my short visit.
§ Mr. StonehouseOn his visit to Rhodesia, will the Prime Minister see Dr. Banda, who is the recognised leader of over 3 million within the Federation, rather than wait until two years hence, when he will have an official reception for him at Lancaster House?
§ The Prime MinisterDr. Banda will, of course, be free to make his views known to the Advisory Commission, and it is to be hoped that he will make use of this opportunity.
§ Mr. GaitskellWill the Prime Minister take a rather more active line than he has done in his Answers so far? Is not this an important opportunity for him to meet the leaders of African political opinion personally and talk with them? Has he made suggestions to the Governors of Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia that they should invite the leaders of African opinion, including Dr. Banda?
§ The Prime MinisterAll these matters are, of course, being considered in connection with my tour.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe tour, I understand, is to start in January. Have no conclusions been reached? Cannot the Prime Minister say any more?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I would prefer to leave it as it is.
§ Mr. GaitskellWill the Prime Minister make a statement about his arrangement, at least before the Christmas Recess?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the right hon. Gentleman will put a Question on the Paper, I will do my best to answer it.