§ 40. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what instructions he has given to the Governors of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland to make arrangements for any colonial civil servants, who so wish, to appear before or send evidence to the Monckton Commission either for or against the Federation, in its present form, of the Protectorate in which he serves with the Colony of Southern Rhodesia.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodNone, Sir. The Governors of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland are, however, considering whether it would be appropriate for civil servants to give evidence to the Commission.
§ Mr. StonehouseDoes not the Colonial Secretary agree that it would be very useful indeed if these colonial civil servants could appear before the Monckton Commission? Is he aware that a few days ago, Sir Roy Welensky said that he was aware that many colonial civil servants in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland were opposed to federation? Does not the Colonial Secretary agree that it is important that this sort of information from the colonial civil servants should be available to the Commission?
§ Mr. MacleodThat is a point of view and, doubtless, one that is being taken into account by the Governors as they consider this matter. There is also what might be called the traditional point of view, that civil servants who appear before commissions—if they appear at all, which in a sense is unusual—confine themselves, not to opinion, but to factual statements.