§ 31. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the present constitutional arrangements for Tanganyika, and the principles upon which they are based.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodElections on a wide franchise were held in August,1960, to the new Legislative Council which is largely elected and has a substantial majority of African members. Thereafter, a new Council of Ministers was formed which is advisory to the 674 Governor and comprises twelve ministers of whom nine are elected members of the Legislative Council, one a nominated unofficial member and two officials. There is a Chief Minister who is the Governor's principal adviser and Leader of Government business in the Legislative Council.
§ Mr. StonehouseIs the Colonial Secretary aware that Mr. Boscawen, visiting Tanganyika on behalf of the Conservative Party, said that the European farmers in that country were completely happy with the democratic constitution? Is not this an example to neighbouring Rhodesia, where a white minority is seeking to retain control with hypocritical phrases and fancy franchises? Does not Tanganyika show the wisdom of boldly going ahead with genuine democracy?
§ Mr. MacleodThe hon. Member falls into the error of assuming that Africa is all one place. It is at least as different as Europe. In regard to the first part of the supplementary question, Tanganyika is one of the most splendid and exciting examples of progress in Africa. It has been so for many years and will, I hope, continue. I am taking the chair at a conference there in a fortnight's time.