§ 21. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is proposed, before the holding of the conference to review the Federal Constitution in 1960, to secure that the Governments of Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia more fully represent the peoples of those territories.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)I do not contemplate before 1960 any change in the Constitution of Northern Rhodesia introduced at the beginning of this year. I am still considering the possibility of changes in the Nyasaland Constitution, and am not yet able to make a statement.
§ Mr. BrockwaySince neither of these Legislatures represents the majority of the people, and their fate will be decided for many years by this conference, is not it desirable that steps should be taken before 1960 to see that the democratic right of the people is reflected when their destiny is being determined?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThese are valuable bodies, but I am not suggesting that, by themselves, and in their present form, they would provide an adequate method of ascertaining the views of the people of the Territories.
§ Mr. WallWould not my right hon. Friend agree that the Government of Northern Rhodesia is more representative than ever before but that a similar advance was prevented in Nyasaland because of the widespread revolt against law and order?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes, Sir.