§ 5. Mr. Brockwayasked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what constitutional proposals are now being considered for the establishment of a legislature in Swaziland.
§ Mr. R. ThompsonThe High Commissioner has asked the Acting Resident Commissioner to initiate consultations with the European Advisory Council and the Swazi National Council on the next steps to be taken in the field of joint consultation, with a view to making progress towards establishing a joint committee or council.
§ Mr. BrockwayI welcome the fact that steps are being taken in Swaziland following those taken in Basutoland and Bechuanaland, but in his discussions will the Minister be careful to maintain the principle of direct election, which has been applied in the case of the local councils in Basutoland, rather than allow all power to be in the hands of the chiefs?
§ Mr. ThompsonI am sure that the Resident Commissioner will have those considerations very much in mind. We had better wait until he has completed his discussions in connection with this proposed advance.