HC Deb 12 April 1962 vol 657 cc1474-5
8. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (Central African Office) what proposals he now has for continuing the Central African Federation Review Conference.

12. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (Central African Office) if he will now state when the review of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland will take place.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) and my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. P. Williams) on 29th March.

Mr. Wall

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that it is very important to settle the future of Central Africa as quickly as possible, as the prevailing uncertainty is gravely damaging the economy of that part of the world?

Mr. Butler

Yes, I entirely agree. I realise the importance o£ making progress in this field, and I will keep the House informed of any developments, which I hope may be sooner rather than later.

Mr. Brockway

In view of the statement by the Monckton Commission that the African populations in these territories were strongly opposed to the maintenance of the present Federation, will the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that those African populations will be allowed a majority in their Legislature before any conference is held determining the future of the Federation?

Mr. Butler

I do not think I can give any general assurances at this stage. My whole actions are governed by the Preamble to the 1953 Act. Apart from that, it is important at least to make some progress in the near future towards a possible solution.

Mr. Healey

Can the Home Secretary assure the House that he will not call a review conference until the Northern Rhodesian elections have been held and have produced a Government which is more representative in that territory of the majority of the population there?

Mr. Butler

I have not at present in mind the calling of a review conference. What I have in mind is preparatory work for the future.