§ 21 and 22. Mrs. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) why the majority recommendation of the Wild Committee, that the Executive in Uganda should have responsible powers and be presided over by a Chief Minister, has been rejected;
(2) why it has not been found possible to accept the recommendation of the Wild Committee that there should be full adult franchise in Uganda.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe Governor stated in the Legislative Council on 22nd February that there would be a further extension of the franchise. The extent to which it will be widened has not yet been decided. Her Majesty's Government are of the view that, while the balance of the Executive should be altered to afford greater opportunities for the exercise of responsibility by non-official Ministers, it should continue to be presided over by, and advisory to, the Governor, and that the appointment of a Chief Minister would be premature.
§ Mrs. WhiteDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that there was considerable disappointment in Uganda at the Government's attitude towards the Wild Committee's recommendation? With regard to the franchise, have the Government been unduly influenced by the possibility of difficulties in Kenya, 619 which is something which ought not to affect the situation in Uganda, which is really quite different? As regards the possibility of having a Chief Minister and an executive council, does the right hon. Gentleman realise that it would have a very important stabilising effect on the political parties in Uganda if they could have some real responsibilities? Is not this most desirable?
§ Mr. MacleodTo take the last point first, that is certainly most desirable, but this represents a very large step forward indeed by which there would be an elected majority in a Legislative Council and a majority of non-official Ministers in the Council of Ministers mainly drawn from the majority party in the Legislature. I do not think that anybody who knows the present state of politics in Uganda would believe that it is ripe for a Chief Minister regime at the present time. As regards the franchise, I have indicated that a final decision has not been taken. We have said that we are sympathetic to an extension of what is already a very wide franchise.