§ 36. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the recent statement of Sir Robert Armitage, the Governor of Nyasaland, that Africans must have an elected majority in the Legislative Council of the territory, represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the relevant passage from a statement which the Governor made on 7th March in answer to a question from a reporter and which is not reflected with complete accuracy in the hon. Member's Question.
There is nothing in this statement which is out of harmony with my own line of thought but the hon. Member will understand that the recent disturbances have made it for the time being impossible to take the final steps in determining the exact nature of the next stage in Nyasaland constitutional advance.
§ Mr. JohnsonWill not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this statement is on similar lines to that made by the Governor of Tanganyika? In view of the way Tanganyika is making its constitutional change, would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that Nyasaland, a similar Colony, could follow in a similar way and look forward to a constitution with an African elected majority?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am certainly not saying that it is impossible—far from it. But I suggest that the hon. Member 1511 should read the Governor's statement, which he does not appear as yet to have fully read.
Following is the statement:It is our intention to proceed with the preparation of constitutional reforms as soon as the situation becomes normal. I am naturally anxious that we should be able so to proceed as quickly as possible. It has long been our intention to ensure considerable African political advancement by way of increased representation elected on a broad franchise in the Legislature, also African membership of the Executive Council. The African Congress was not prepared to accept changes other than virtual independence under an African government immediately. Of the various communities which I have consulted, each has a different conception of the constitutional changes required. In our discussions we were reaching the final stages in the formulation of proposals when Lord Perth's visit was inevitably postponed. Obviously I cannot give any precise details regarding the form that changes may take when any official views on the subject may still be changed as a result of consultation with the various communities and Her Majesty's Government. There does appear to be, however, a very large measure of agreement that the changes must provide for an effective and stable government. They must embody in them a framework which will ensure that there will be steady progress to conditions under which the African voter will have the major say in electing the government.