HC Deb 25 June 1959 vol 607 cc1391-2
45. Mr. Rankin

asked the Prime Minister what consideration he has given to the question of the answerability in Parliament of the responsible Ministers for events in Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia; and if he will make a statement.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have been asked to reply.

Ministers answer on matters for which they have responsibility. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies answers for all those matters in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland which are not the responsibility of the Federal Government. For the matters for which the Federal Government are responsible I would refer the hon. Member to Chapters 3 and 4 of the Federal Constitution, in particular Articles 29 and 36 and the Second Schedule.

Mr. Rankin

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that Answer, may I put this direct point to him for attention in the proper quarter? Will he convey it to the Prime Minister? Where the rights of British-protected persons in Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia are jeopardised or directly infringed by acts of the Federal Government, will he ensure that the responsible Minister will be answerable in all circumstances to this House?

Mr. Butler

I could not give a general answer on those lines. There was an interchange with you, Mr. Speaker, on this matter, on which you gave a certain Ruling that Ministers answer only for what they are responsible for in this House. We have to try to interpret the constitution as we find it. I could not give any such general undertaking, but I will convey the hon. Gentleman's point to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Gaitskell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there appears to be a number of cases where doubt exists whether the Federation Government or the British Government are responsible, and whether there appears to be some overlapping of responsibility under existing legislation? Further, is he aware that there is much anxiety on this side of the House that Her Majesty's Government have done insufficient to protect the interests of those for whom they are responsible in Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia? Is he also aware that we consider this to be a matter of great importance, and that we hope very much that the Government will change their present attitude?

Mr. Butler

Naturally, it has always been a feature of this House, not only this year, but in previous generations, that we want to look after our own citizens. I am giving an answer on the constitutional position as it has been interpreted in the Act to which I have drawn attention, and, in particular, the Second Schedule, which I hold here. As far as I can say, the Answer I have given is correct. I will certainly undertake to put the right hon. Gentleman's anxieties to my right hon. Friend, but I could give no further answer today.