HC Deb 10 March 1959 vol 601 cc1079-81
35. Sir A. Baldwin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans from Nyasaland are living in Southern Rhodesia, both permanently and as migratory labourers.

Mr. J. Amery

I am asking the Governor for the figures and when they arrive I will circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Sir A. Baldwin

In view of the allegations made by the other side in the smear campaign against Sir Roy Welensky and the Southern Rhodesia Government, is it not extraordinary that the number of Nyasalanders who want to go to Southern Rhodesia has to be limited because so many want to go?

Mr. Amery indicated assent

.

Mr. Callaghan

Does the Minister say that there is a smear campaign going on?

Mr. Amery

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Callaghan

Or is it that the hon. Gentleman agrees that the conditions in Nyasaland are of such a character that these people have to leave the country and go elsewhere to find work?

Mr. Amery

I confirm, first of all, that in our view there is a smear campaign going on on the other side. On the second point, the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) tried earlier to draw my attention to the danger of attributing all effects to economic reasons agreed with the hon. Member, but the spectacle of Satan rebuking sin must be amusing to the House.

Mr. Callaghan

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we do not want any lessons from a Suez rebel about smear campaigns? Is he not aware that there are still, not only even but especially, on his side of the House hon. Members who still have some regard to principles in this matter and who believe that what has been happening in the Federation in the last week would not meet with the approval of a great many people in this country, and it is upon that basis that the Opposition is basing its present position?

Mr. Amery

What the hon. Member has just said confirms my supplementary answer.