§ 33. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what demands were made in the petition received by him from the Northern Rhodesian African National Congress on 13th April; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. J. AmeryTo scrap the present Constitution of Northern Rhodesia; to institute talks immediately for a new constitution based on universal adult franchise; and to grant immediate self-government and independence. My right hon. Friend received the petition only on 28th April. He has not as yet replied.
§ Mr. StonehouseAs the African National Congress received most of the African votes cast in the recent election, and undoubtedly represents quite a large section of opinion in Northern Rhodesia, will the Under-Secretary undertake to consider this representation seriously, particularly in view of the thoroughly undemocratic nature of the present Constitution?