HC Deb 20 December 1962 vol 669 cc1435-6
Q3. Mr. D. Foot

asked the Prime Minister whether he discussed with the Ministers of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, during their visit to London, the view of Her Majesty's Government, as stated by the then Lord Chancellor on 27th March, 1962, that as a matter of pure law there is no doubt that the power of the United Kingdom Parliament to legislate how it wishes for the Federation remains unfettered.

Q7. Mr. Healey

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with Ministers of the Central African Federation.

The First Secretary of State (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have been asked to reply.

Yes, Sir. As I made clear in the House yesterday, I had useful talks with the Federal Ministers, but we were unable to reach agreement on the terms on which my statement should be made.

Mr. Foot

Arising out of that reply, will the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing a White Paper setting out the nature of the exchanges between himself and the Federal Ministers, and also setting out the assurances or pledges, if pledges there were, given in 1953 which were referred to yesterday both in another place and in Salisbury?

Mr. Butler

The latter question I gather is being raised later. On the farmer question, I would not wish to add to the extent of the publication of confidential documents which has recently taken place. Her Majesty's Government attach particular importance to the fact that when discussions are confidential they should be so treated afterwards.

Mr. Healey

Without raising at this stage the question of the confidential exchanges which took place in 1953, is it not the case that the consultations carried out by Her Majesty's Government in the last few weeks fully implement all the published obligations accepted by Her Majesty's Government in relation to changes in the Constitution of the Central African Federation?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. As far as I can comprehend and understand the hon. Gentleman's question, I should regard that to be so. Her Majesty's Government, as I said yesterday, have the inalienable right to take the action which they have done, and have been acting constitutionally.

Mr. G. Brown

Would it be another way of putting the First Secretary's original Answer to say that the Government believe that when double-talk has taken place it should be kept dark?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir. I do not accept either leg of the right hon. Gentleman's statement.