§ 26. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about the progress of negotiations for a new constitution in Northern Rhodesia.
§ Mr. H. FraserThe Governor has reported fully to my right hon. Friend on his discussions in Lusaka and is now, with my right hon. Friend's agreement, embarking on a further short round of consultations, with the political groups. He will also be seeing the Litunga of Barotseland this week.
§ Mr. WallIs my hon. Friend aware that the continued political uncertainty is gravely damaging the economy of the Federation and that there is little chance of winning the Southern Rhodesian referendum unless there is an agreed solution in Northern Rhodesia? Can my hon. Friend undertake to say that there will be an announcement in this House about the Northern Rhodesian Constitution at least four weeks before the date now fixed for the Southern Rhodesian referendum?
§ Mr. FraserThese are difficult discussions, but I can express as more than a hope that it will be possible to make an announcement to the House in a matter of weeks on the Northern Rhodesian Constitution.
§ Mr. CallaghanWhy have these discussions taken something like five 871 months to complete? Can the hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that the Constitution of Northern Rhodesia will be settled on its merits irrespective of the situation in Southern Rhodesia?
§ Mr. FraserI am unable to give any general assurances except that this will be in the best interests of the people of Northern Rhodesia.