HC Deb 15 February 1962 vol 653 cc1499-501
13. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the proposed Northern Rhodesian Constitution.

14. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is yet in a position to announce his constitutional proposals for Northern Rhodesia.

23. Mr. Healey

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's proposals for constitutional advance in Northern Rhodesia.

Mr. Maudling

No, Sir.

Mr. Fisher

In coming to a decision, which he will have to do fairly soon, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, despite the considerable economic advantages of federation, it is likely to survive only if it is based upon consent—I mean African consent—and will he agree that in Northern Rhodesia, which is the key territory of the Federation in this context, it might now be wise to move towards implementation of the Monckton Report, a very far-seeing document published sixteen months ago, in regard to which African leaders, in spite of pressure from their followers, have been very patient until now?

Mr. Maudling

I cannot anticipate what I shall have to say in due course about the Constitution of Northern Rhodesia. As regards the Federation, I support what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations said a little while ago, to the effect—I cannot give the exact words—that the Federation could survive only if within a reasonable time it commands the support of the majority of the people in the area.

Mr. Healey

While strongly supporting the very wise supplementary question asked by the hon. Member for Surbiton (Mr. Fisher), may I ask the Colonial Secretary to assure the House that Her Majesty's Government accept responsibility for forming these proposals as the responsibility of Her Majesty's Government and that they will not be deflected again from their duty by representations from quarters which have no right to cause them to change their mind?

Mr. Maudling

The position is quite clear. We have absolute responsibility for the Constitution of Northern Rhodesia. We are bound, and rightly bound, to consult with the Federal Government, and consultation means genuine consultation. But the decision rests on us alone.

Mr. Wall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many people hope that an agreed solution will emerge from the talks now going on at Salisbury and that this agreed solution will bring a great political advance for the African people but will not yet place political power in their hands?

Mr. Maudling

I cannot enter into the details. Agreement, obviously, is the thing to aim for.