HC Deb 06 June 1961 vol 641 cc873-4
34. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what debates have taken place in, and what decisions have been taken by, the Kenya Legislative Council on the visit of the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies and on the process of constitutional advance.

Mr. H. Fraser

My visit was the subject of an adjournment debate in the Kenya Legislature on 30th May. No decisions were taken by the Legislative Council.

Mr. Brockway

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he has read that debate, and, if he has done so, whether he has noted the criticisms that have been made of the hon. Gentleman in his statements during that visit? May I ask him directly whether he did not find in Kenya that the leaders of all races are now adjusting themselves to the inevitable African majority in the independence of that country, and whether, in that situation, it is not better to reach a decision rapidly rather than leave the matter in a condition of uncertainty?

Mr. Fraser

May I refer the hon. Gentleman to the admirable letter, except for the mathematical points about a majority, which was published yesterday in The Times from the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Stonehouse)?

Mr. Callaghan

May I take it that the Under-Secretary now appreciates the unwisdom of making statements that indicate that in the situation which Kenya has reached, we and we alone can determine the future? Does the hon. Gentleman not now realise as a result of the adjournment debate that the future of Kenya is much more likely to be determined by people out there than it is by him in this House?

Mr. Fraser

No, Sir. Of course, it has to be determined both by people in Kenya and by Her Majesty's Government.

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