§ 29. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what stage has now been reached in the constitutional discussions in Lusaka.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe Governor has had discussions with each of the political groups represented at the London Conference on the outline plan in the White Paper and the detailed suggestions which he circulated. He expects to hold further consultations with all groups before making his recommendations.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWould my right hon. Friend agree that the result of the Southern Rhodesia referendum and the future of the Federation itself may largely depend on the speedy and satisfactory conclusion of these talks? Can he give an assurance that his constitutional proposals are being and can be interpreted with flexibility?
§ Mr. MacleodOn the last point, we certainly made our position quite clear—that we have published the White Paper and we are prepared to consider schemes within the framework of the White Paper. I do not think that the date of the Southern Rhodesia referendum has been announced and, therefore, it is not possible to be precise in relation to the Northern Rhodesia talks, but I should have thought it very likely that the result of the talks will be made public well before the referendum.