HC Deb 12 November 1959 vol 613 cc564-5
3. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what recommendations have been made by the Joint Advisory Council for the establishment of a Legislative Council for Bechuanaland; and how far these recommendations were unanimous.

12. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a statement about the recommendation of the Constitutional Commission set up by the Joint Advisory Council in the Bechuanaland Protectorate.

Mr. Alport

The Committee of the Joint Advisory Council has recommended that a Legislative Council consisting of 21 elected members, 4 nominated and 10 official members, with the Resident Commissioner presiding, should be established with powers to pass legislation for the Territory, subject to reserve powers in the hands of the High Commissioner. The Report also recommends that an Executive Council should be created, to consist of 2 European and 2 African unofficial members of the Legislative Council, together with 6 officials.

The Committee's report was unanimous and was endorsed by the Joint Advisory Council without amendment.

It now remains for the Resident Commissioner to submit proposals to the High Commissioner, who will in turn submit his own proposals to my noble Friend.

Mr. Brockway

While welcoming this as a beginning to the legislature for Bechuanaland, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether it is intended to have any period for a review of these proposals, which by no means represent racial equality or anything like democracy?

Mr. Alport

I remind the hon. Gentleman that the Committee of the Joint Advisory Council, consisting of both European and African members, was unanimous in its recommendations and that the Joint Advisory Council itself, which also consisted of European and African members, was unanimous in endorsing them. The House can, therefore, be assured that there is wide support amongst all races for, I do not say necessarily the detailed, but at least the general lines upon which this proposal has been put forward.