HC Deb 30 July 1959 vol 610 cc662-3
21. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is now proposed to establish full self-government in Tanganyika.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

It would be premature to estimate when this stage in the constitutional evolution will be reached.

Mr. Brockway

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Tanganyika African National Union won just as sweeping a victory at the last election, even including the European and Asian representatives? In view of the very constructive attitude of its leaders towards racial co-operation, is it not time that there was some reconsideration of the demand put forward by the party which was elected by an overwhelming majority of the people?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The hon. Gentleman's supplementary question altogether leaves out the fact that it was only at the beginning of this month that the first elected Ministers took office in Tanganyika. It also overlooks the fact that the Ramage Commission is now sitting, and that when it reports and the Government have had time to study it, the Governor has undertaken to make a statement.

Mr. Dugdale

Will not the right hon. Gentleman give some encouragement to people who have, in fact, produced just that unity for which he has asked among different races, and which he has not found in every country to the same extent as in Tanganyika?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

That is quite a different question. Of course, I give encouragement to all people who approach problems in that non-racial way.