HC Deb 24 October 1961 vol 646 c725
17. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he intends to visit Northern Rhodesia.

Mr. Maudling

I naturally wish to visit Northern Rhodesia, but I do not think it would be helpful to do so before the Governor has informed me that law and order has been fully restored and the political parties have had an opportunity of making their further representations on the proposed constitution.

Mr. Stonehouse

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that there are many of us who would agree with the comment of the Commonwealth Correspondent of the Guardian this morning, namely, that it would be useful for the Colonial Secretary to visit Northern Rhodesia in November? Is he aware that it would be better for him to see for himself and to learn from his own experience rather than to rely on culling impressions from a few self-selected individuals who happen to come here?

Mr. Maudling

Naturally, I believe in seeing what one can for oneself. But to think that on a short visit one can learn more than the people who have lived there for years seems to me a form of unwisdom.