§ 16. Mr. Boydenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he proposes to take to increase the political freedom of British Colonies which he considers too small for complete independence.
§ Mr. MaudlingThis is a problem that I intend to study closely, but I cannot make any statement as yet.
§ Mr. BoydenI appreciate the difficulties which the Colonial Secretary may have in considering this particular problem. May I ask whether he will consider that the smallness of a country does not derogate from its passionate interest in political freedom? Will he see that as much political freedom as possible is given to a country irrespective of its size?
§ Mr. MaudlingThe impression which I have formed so far is that it is difficult to generalise. There are so many differences between the different countries. That is why I want plenty of time to study the problem.
§ Mr. G. ThomasWould the Colonial Secretary make a special point of studying the Seychelles, where we have a very loyal people for whom self-government is unlikely in view of the size of the island but for whom a great deal ought to be done by this House?
§ Mr. MaudlingYes, Sir.