HC Deb 26 March 1959 vol 602 cc1504-5
26. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the arrangements for further constitutional advance in Tanganyika and the interim Ministerial system.

58. Mr. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to make a statement on his plans for further constitutional advance in Tanganyika.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

On 17th March the Governor announced the terms of reference of a committee which will be set up under the chairmanship of Sir Richard Ramage to examine such matters as the number of elected members in the Legislative Council, the present voting system, qualifications for candidates and voters and the possibility of establishing a Territorial Council. He also announced the intention to invite five unofficials (three African, one Asian, one European) to take up Ministerial portfolios in the Government. These, with seven official Ministers, will comprise the Council of Ministers which will on 1st July take over the primary duties of the Executive Council.

The appointment of unofficial Ministers will mark yet another important step forward in Tanganyika's constitutional progress, since for the first time a substantial measure of responsibility for the formulation of policy will be placed on the shoulders of the representatives of the people of the territory.

I have placed copies of the Governor's speech in the Library. I am glad to say that the proposals have been accepted by the representative members of the Legislative Council.

Mr. Stonehouse

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that we are very happy indeed at the successful outcome of the elections in Tanganyika, at the dignified and responsible way in which Mr. Julius Nyerere has conducted himself during the period, and at the support which he has had from the members of various communities? Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Committee is expected to report on further constitutional advance, which appears to be taking place in Tanganyika in a proper atmosphere of non-racial democracy?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am afraid I cannot give the date when the Committee will finish its work, but I can say that what is happening in Tanganyika seems to be—I believe it is—an admirable illustration of what co-operation can achieve.