Constitution

HC Deb 20 April 1961 vol 638 cc1379-80

34. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what arrangements he is making for a referendum of the African population of Southern Rhodesia with regard to the proposed new constitution for the Colony, in view of Her Majesty's Government's responsibility with regard to the African people, the latter's concern that the protective powers be retained, and the need for constitutional advance to be generally agreed.

Mr. Sandys

It is not for me to arrange referendums in Southern Rhodesia.

Mr. Stonehouse

Does not the Secretary of State realise that the African people in Southern Rhodesia look upon this country as the protecting Power and that they regard the protective clauses in the Constitution as their safeguard against exploitation by the tiny white minority in the country. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] This is very important for them. In view of this, why is the referendum to be conducted among that 3 per cent. of the population which happens to be on the electoral roll and which is a percentage almost wholly white? Why cannot the African population who are greatly concerned about these proposed changes be consulted?

Mr. Sandys

The hon. Member has asked me a lot of questions at the same time. First, I recognise, of course, our responsibility to ensure that the powers at present reserved to the Government in the United Kingdom are not dropped unless we are satisfied that equally effective or more effective safeguards can be put in their place. That is why the proposals for the new constitution include a provision for a Declaration of Rights, a Constitutional Council and a right of appeal to the Privy Council. This particular referendum is no concern of mine. I cannot decide that there should be a referendum among Europeans, or the existing electorate. That is a matter that is decided out there. I am fully satisfied that most Africans would be very sorry indeed to lose the substantial advances that the new Constitution offers to them.

Mr. Marquand

As the right hon. Gentleman was president of the Constitutional Conference, has not he taken steps, albeit informally, to ensure that there is ample opportunity to consult African opinion about these proposals?

Mr. Sandys

That was the purpose of the Conference.