§ 43. Mr. de Freitasasked the Prime Minister what discussions he had in Basutoland on the future of that country.
§ The Prime MinisterAs I said in reply to a question by the hon. Member on 16th February, I had talks about the future of Basutoland with political leaders in that Territory, and with the High Commissioner and some of his officers.
§ Mr. de FreitasDid the Prime Minister give them an assurance that they would not be handed over to South Africa unless the people of the territory consented to that transfer? If he did not give such an assurance, will he, either now or at another Opportunity, give the assurance that they will not be handed over unless they consent?
§ The Prime MinisterI repeated both in Basutoland and, I think, in two other territories, as well as in Capetown and Pretoria, that the Government stood by the pledge given and the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill) in April, 1954. That statement is quite categoric.