§ 13. Mrs. Castleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now received from the Governor of Nyasaland a report on his discussions with the federal authorities about responsibility for non-African agriculture in Nyasaland; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. AmeryThe Governor has not yet completed his discussions with the federal authorities and I have nothing to 1339 add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Southall (Mr. Pargiter) and the right hon. Member for West Bromwich (Mr. Dugdale) on 20th January.
§ Mrs. CastleWill the hon. Gentleman consult his right hon. Friend in order to get a categorical assurance for the House that the Colonial Secretary will not approve of the federalisation of non-African agriculture in Nyasaland in view of the bitter opposition of the African population to this and in view of the fact that there are some 13,000 African tenant farmers on European farms who would be federalised if this policy were to go through?
§ Mr. AmeryMy right hon. Friend and I fully appreciate the importance of the issue. I think that we must await the outcome of the Governor's discussion with the federal authorities.