HC Deb 08 February 1962 vol 653 cc594-5
11. Mr. Healey

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what consultations he has had with the Prime Minister of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland concerning constitutional proposals in Northern Rhodesia.

Mr. Braine

During the past year, in accordance with established practice, there have been consultations with the Federal Government prior to announcements of constitutional proposals by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Healey

While thanking the Parliamentary Secretary for giving us knowledge which was already in our possession—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why ask, then?"]—and which is totally irrelevant to the purpose and meaning of my Question, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that all hon. Members on this side of the House regard it as vitally important that Her Majesty's Government should not be deflected from proposals which would give the Africans majority rule in Northern Rhodesia by any representations made by Sir Roy Welensky, and that any further steps taken to appease Sir Roy Welensky in this way could lead only to a situation in Northern Rhodesia very like that obtaining in Algeria?

Mr. Braine

I am perfectly sure that the Federal Government would be the first to recognise that responsibility for a final decision on Northern Rhodesia rests with the British Government, but there is an obligation to consult which was laid down in the White Paper of January, 1953, and there is no point in consulting unless one seriously considers the views of the man with whom one is consulting.

Mr. Healey

Is the Under-Secretary aware that the Federal Government's views on this matter must have been influenced by the fact that Her Majesty's Government appeased the Government in the middle of last year and allowed themselves to be shaken in the view which they took in January, 1961? In view of that, can the Parliamentary Secretary assure the House that this time at least Her Majesty's Government will do what they know and believe to be right?

Mr. Braine

I do not for a moment accept the premise upon which the hon. Member bases his Question.