§ 24. Mr. Footasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a further statement regarding the proposal for a constitutional conference in Kenya.
35. Mrs. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to Mr. Michael Blundell's statement on the desirability of a constitutional conference in Kenya; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI read with interest the view of Mr. Blundell, speaking on behalf of his Specially Elected colleagues, that at a later date, after the right atmosphere had been created, all groups might meet together for discussions on the constitution.
This view is broadly in harmony with my own, which my hon. Friend outlined on 5th February in reply to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) and my hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall).
§ Mr. FootWould the right hon. Gentleman now agree that, if constitutional talks are to have any prospect of success, they cannot be limited to the ambit of the present constitution?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt is rather difficult to deal with this matter by question and answer. There is to be a debate on Kenya today, when the question of the constitution will be traversed at some length.
§ 25. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what preparations he intends making to meet the All-Party Elected Members' Delegation from the Kenya Legislative Council coming to London to discuss the matter of holding a round table conference regarding future constitutional advance in Kenya.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe delegation will not represent all groups or parties, but it will include members of all races.
I have informed the leader of the African Elected Members Organisation that I am afraid that my other heavy commitments will not allow me to see them on the date they have suggested, 1501 but that I would be able to see them about the end of April.
I have, however, suggested that as Lord Perth expects to visit East Africa early in April the delegation might put their views to him for transmission to me.
I have added that if the delegation afterwards still wished to see me I would be very ready to welcome it at the end of April or thereabouts.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs the Minister aware that the House will be happy that he appears to be happy about meeting the delegation? In the light of his helpful comments on Question No. 24, will the Minister, after meeting the delegation of all parties and creeds and colours, make a statement about the future constitutional advance in Kenya and about it becoming a democratic society at some time in the future?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am always ready, as the hon. Gentleman knows, to see as many people as possible, but I must again point out that this is not a delegation representing all groups or parties, though it includes members of all races. As I have said, I shall be ready to see the delegation. In regard to the second part of the supplementary question, I am always ready also to take any appropriate opportunity of making any comments which will help forward the constitutional harmony of Kenya.
§ Mr. FootMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will give the House an assurance that the views of the delegation will be considered before Her Majesty's Government or the Kenya Government commit themselves in any way on constitutional changes?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThat is rather a strange question coming from the hon. and learned Gentleman, as I am always being pressed to make statements about the future of Kenya. Whilst I am always ready to see people, I cannot undertake that because of future visits I shall refrain from making statements at appropriate moments, particularly when I know, as I often do, what are the views of prospective delegations. None the less, I will bear in mind what the hon. and learned Gentleman has said.