HC Deb 26 March 1959 vol 602 c1499
40. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Buganda Ministers have now modified, or withdrawn, their objection to the Constitutional Committee appointed by the Governor; and if the Lukiko has now presented names for that Committee.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)

No, Sir.

Mr. Sorensen

Do I understand from that Answer that in fact there has not been a withdrawal of the attitude of the Buganda people?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am sorry to say that that is true.

Mr. Sorensen

What action is the Minister taking to try to encourage greater agreement on this point, and, in any case, if there is continued resistance on the part of the Buganda people, will the Constitutional Committee still continue?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

To quote my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, one cannot impose an opportunity, one can only offer it. The Buganda Government was invited to nominate representatives whose names might be approved by the Governor for inclusion in the Committee. It declined to do so, but the Committee will be visiting Buganda to take evidence and, nothwithstanding the refusal of the Buganda Ministers to recognise the Committee, they will be given every opportunity, if they so wish, to make their views known to the Committee.

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