§ 1. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations on what date Her Majesty's Government were officially advised of the composition of the African Affairs Board.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. C. J. M. Alport)The African Affairs Board is a Standing Committee of the Federal Assembly of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland and its composition is laid down in Article 67 of the Federal Constitution. The Constitution does not contain any provision for my right hon. and noble Friend to be informed of the names of those members of the Federal Assembly who, from time to time, form the Board.
§ Mr. StonehouseIn view of the change in the composition of the Board, is the Under-Secretary of State satisfied that it provides any safeguards at all?
§ Mr. AlportThe Board is constituted in accordance with the Constitution and therefore is fully effective in carrying out the work set for it in the Constitution.
Mr. DugdaleCan the hon. Gentleman state how often the Board is consulted and how often its advice has been accepted?
§ Mr. AlportAs I have said, there is no provision in the Constitution for my right hon. and noble Friend to be consulted.