HC Deb 28 July 1960 vol 627 cc1844-6
12. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what consideration he has given to the memorandum submitted to him on 28th April by the leaders of the National Democratic Party of Southern Rhodesia; and whether he will now arrange further talks with representatives of the National Democratic Party to obtain their views on constitutional changes in Southern Rhodesia.

Mr. Alport

As regards the first part of the Question, the Secretary of State took note of the views expressed in the memorandum. As regard the second part, the discussions of possible constitutional change in Southern Rhodesia so far held have been of an exploratory nature only. As my hon. Friend said on 3rd May in reply to the hon. Member for Cardiff, South East (Mr. Callaghan), the method of ascertaining African opinion will be a matter for consideration by the two Governments when the time comes.

Mr. Thomson

Does not this situation show the complete folly of the policy being pursued by the Southern Rhodesian Government at present? Does not it reveal a situation in which cordial talks took place between Her Majesty's Government and African representatives, and now those representatives are under arrest or trial? Will not the right hon. Gentleman give a guarantee that these discussions will not be entered into without an assurance on the part of the Southern Rhodesian Government that African spokesmen will have a full opportunity to put their point of view?

Mr. Alport

As I said in our debate yesterday, I am quite certain that not only the Government of this country but also the Southern Rhodesian Government are fully alive to the importance of seeing that representative African opinion is available in these circumstances.

18. Mr. Dugdale

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations how many of those members of the National Democratic Party recently arrested in Southern Rhodesia are citizens of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, respectively.

Mr. Alport

If, as I assume, the hon. Member is referring to recent arrests for alleged contravention of the Unlawful Organisations Act, 1959, of Southern Rhodesia, the answer, according to my information, is that no British-protected person from Northern Rhodesia or Nyasaland has been so arrested.

Mr. Dugdale

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that if any should be arrested in future they will receive adequate protection from Her Majesty's Government?

Mr. Alport

That will certainly be a matter to be borne in mind by the Governors of the territories concerned.

19. Mr. Dugdale

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he has yet replied to the recent representations sent to him on behalf of the National Democratic Party of Southern Rhodesia regarding the future use of the reserve powers of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Alport

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to my reply to the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Stone-house) on 19th May.

Mr. Dugdale

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Her Majesty's Government have considerable powers, which they could use if they wanted to? Does he realise that some of us are pleased with the appointment of the new Secretary of State, who has at any rate one characteristic—great toughness—which we hope he will use when he meets Sir Roy Welensky?