HC Deb 12 February 1959 vol 599 c1348
43. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been given to the official representations made by the Somali National Front, the National United Front of British Somaliland and the Somali Youth League for constitutional changes, particularly in relation to the attainment of independence by Somalia in 1960.

Mr. J. Amery

The reply is embodied in the statement made by my right hon. Friend at Hargeisa on 9th February, the text of which was given in my reply to the hon. Member for Essex, South-East (Mr. Braine) on that day.

Mr. Brockway

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while we welcome the fact that within three months of the last constitutional changes new constitutional changes have been announced in Somaliland, we would ask whether he is satisfied that even now the changes will go far enough to meet the demands of the people of Somaliland for self-government and for union with their fellow-countrymen across the Italian and French borders?

Mr. Amery

My right hon. Friend would not have legislated as he did if he had not been so satisfied.