§ 12. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the progress made in the Kenya Constitutional Conference.
§ 19. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about the progress of the Constitutional Conference on Kenya.
§ Mr. MaudlingPress communiqués agreed by the Conference are being issued at the end of each working day, copies of which I am arranging to be placed in the Library. I have nothing further to add about progress at the Conference.
§ Mr. StonehouseWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the importance of bringing this Conference to an end as quickly as possible and agreeing to an early date for independence, bearing in mind that the longer the period of uncertainty lasts, the greater is the danger of "funk" money leaving the country and of a general economic rundown?
§ Mr. MaudlingI am not quite sure what the hon. Gentleman means by "funk" money. Our purpose at the Conference is to reach agreement on the Constitution. I regard that as being of absolutely fundamental importance and urgency.
§ Mr. StonehouseWill the right hon. Gentleman at least bear in mind the possibility that he will have to impose a decision if a breakdown takes place?
§ Mr. MaudlingIf there cannot be agreement between the parties, then Her Majesty's Government will have to decide on the future. My object now is to reach agreement at the Conference, which is of tremendous importance to everyone who lives in Kenya.