HC Deb 08 February 1962 vol 653 c596
19. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans are at present members of the Lusaka Municipal Council; how many Africans are on the voters' rolls; and what plans he has for a respresentative system of election.

Mr. Maudling

There is no direct African representation on the council at present. The voters roll does not specify race, but the number of Africans on it cannot be large. The Northern Rhodesia Government are committed in principle to broader electoral arrangements and to direct African participation in the council; and it is hoped that legislation for that purpose will be introduced at the next session of the Legislature.

Mr. Thomson

I thank the Secretary of State for that Answer. Will he do everything he can to expedite this matter? Does he not agree that the political progress made at the national level in Northern Rhodesia ought to be matched by the advance of Africans at the local level?

Mr. Maudling

I think that we can expect legislation on this subject in the next session of the Legislature, which, I understand, will be next month.