§ 5. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he can now state whether an official member of the Bechuanaland Legislative Council will be instructed to represent the interests of the bushmen; and if reserves for bushmen will be established.
Mr. BrailleThe answer to the first part of the Question is "No". The proposal in the second part is being considered.
§ Mr. BrockwayIs the Joint Under-Secretary of State aware that the hon. Member for Plymouth, Devonport (Miss Vickers) and myself were given an assurance by his Department some time ago that the proposal concerning an official to represent the interests of the bushmen would be considered? We understood that consideration of the retention of reserves had gone a considerable way. If the hon. Gentleman cannot give an answer now, can he indicate when he is likely to be able to give an answer on these two points?
§ Mr. BraineOur conclusion is that the best course is that the welfare of the bushmen should be the responsibility of the Bechuanaland Government as a whole. I can assure the hon. Member that the Protectorate Government will discharge this responsibility with the utmost care.