HC Deb 01 March 1960 vol 618 cc1029-31
44. Mr. Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister what representations he has received from Sir Roy Welensky concerning the release of Dr. Hastings Banda from detention at the present time; and what reply has been made to these representations.

The Prime Minister

Communications between Prime Ministers in the Commonwealth are confidential.

Mr. Speaker

Dr. Thompson.

Mr. Fletcher

rose

Mr. Speaker

I am sorry I did not see the hon. Member rise. Mr. Fletcher.

Mr. Fletcher

Would the Prime Minister say whether it is correct that he is under great pressure from Sir Roy Welensky not to release Dr. Banda? Would the right hon. Gentleman recognise that it is his responsibility and his obligation to make a decision in this respect? May we have an assurance from him, with a view to the Monckton Commission being as successful as possible, that he will take an early decision for the release of Dr. Banda?

The Prime Minister

I did not expect a supplementary question from that rather unexpected quarter. The hon. Member has changed his position, but not his character—coelum non animum mutat.

The answer to the supplementary question, as the hon. Member knows, is that the release of Dr. Banda is a matter for the Governor to advise, having regard to the security situation.

Mr. Brockway

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is not only a matter for the Governor's advice, but that it is also a matter for Her Majesty's Government? Does he appreciate that the continued detention of Dr. Hastings Banda, without trial, when he has been vindicated by a Commission which the Government themselves have appointed, is offending the moral opinion of the world?

The Prime Minister

The question has often been raised here and the answer is always the same. The matter is primarily for the Governor, having regard to the security situation. On the general question of the release of detainees and the ending of the emergency, great progress has been made, but I think that the detailed question should be put to the Colonial Secretary.

Mr. Gaitskell

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that he himself admitted that the decision in this matter rested ultimately with Her Majesty's Government? In view of the impression which earlier answers created, that the Government have this matter under urgent consideration, may we expect a further statement in the near future?

The Prime Minister

I will consider that; but, as I have said quite frankly and as the right hon. Gentleman knows, it rests with the Governor. Of course, it is within the power of the Government to remove the Governor or dismiss him or override him, but those are very great decisions and are questions which should be decided, as the right hon. Gentleman knows from his own experience, in the best possible way. Of course, the ultimate responsibility is on the Government and we do not shrink from it.

Mr. Fletcher

Does not the Prime Minister agree that the ultimate consideration in this matter is to ensure that the deliberations of the Monckton Commission are successful? Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that that is his ultimate responsibility and that many people are of the opinion that, in the interests of the success of the Monckton Commission, it is most important that Dr. Banda should be released, so as to be able to give his free and independent advice to that Commission as soon as possible?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Member is right. The ultimate consideration is what is best in a very difficult and delicate situation which must confront us in Africa this year, next year and perhaps for several years to come—what is the best way to try to help in these complicated problems. I am very glad to hear the hon. Member's high tribute to the importance of the work of the Monckton Commission in this respect.

Mr. Dugdale

The right hon. Gentleman maintains that the responsibility is that of the Governor, with which view we on this side of the House do not agree. Has he given his opinion to the Governor and has he clearly expressed his view that Dr. Banda should be released?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. I have stated the facts and I am not prepared to go beyond them.