§ 47. Mr. Sorensenasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on his discussions with the Prime Ministers of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland and of Southern Rhodesia regarding the scope of the terms of reference of the Monckton Commission, with particular regard to the divergent interpretation of the latter by Lord Shawcross, a member of the Commission appointed by him.
§ The Prime MinisterMy discussions with the two Prime Ministers were private.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes not the Prime Minister consider it desirable to clarify the terms of reference now rather than later, and thus save an outburst of recriminations and misunderstandings? Is it not better to clear up this matter now?
§ The Prime MinisterNo. I think the time for that has passed. The Commission has started its work. It has begun its sittings, and I think that, whatever may have been the differences of opinion, either on the terms of reference or on the composition, it will be the general hope of the House, now that it has started its work, that the results of its work will be useful and fruitful.
§ Mr. RidsdaleIs my right hon. Friend aware that many people in this country feel that it would have been far better if the Opposition had joined the Monckton Commission instead of trying 1424 to undermine its position in the manner in which they are trying at the present time by asking Questions which will undermine the position of the Commission and cause trouble in Africa?
§ Mr. GaitskellCan the Prime Minister say whether the visit of the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations to the Federation, and the talks he will have with Sir Roy Welensky, concern the terms of reference of the Monckton Commission, or can he say what other purpose this visit serves?
§ The Prime MinisterI said in my statement the other day, and I think that the right hon. Gentleman agreed, that the purpose of these tours as Prime Minister was not to negotiate but to have general discussions and to get a broad picture. There are a considerable number of matters in this rather important year leading up to the review and so on which my noble Friend felt he would like to discuss with Sir Roy Welensky.
§ 60. Mr. Wadeasked the Prime Minister what assurances were given to Mr. Wellington Chirwa before he accepted the invitation to serve on the Monckton Commission.
§ The Prime MinisterIn discussions with Mr. Chirwa, I went carefully over all that Her Majesty's Government have said publicly about the scope and purpose of the Monckton Commission. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies had done the same thing previously when Mr. Chirwa was in London. I assume from his acceptance of membership that Mr. Chirwa found this reassuring.
§ Mr. WadeAs immediately after accepting the invitation Mr. Chirwa is reported to have said that he was as firmly opposed to Federation as ever, may we assume from this that there is now no limit imposed by the terms of reference on the scope of the work of the Commission or on the proposals which the Commission may ultimately be entitled to recommend?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. Regarding the terms of reference, we have been over that many times in this House. As I say again, the Commission has started work and I think it would be much to everybody's benefit to let it get on with it.
§ Mr. StonehouseIs it not a fact that one of the conditions made by Mr. Wellington Chirwa before accepting membership of the Commission was that Dr. Hastings Banda would be released? Will Dr. Banda be released?
§ The Prime MinisterI understood from Mr. Chirwa, in fact he stated to me, that he had a number of conditions. I told him they were unacceptable but still urged him to join the Commission, which he ultimately did.