§ 20. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about the constitutional future of Nyasaland.
§ Mr. MaudlingI have nothing to say at present, except that the Constitution which was introduced last summer is working well. Steps are now being taken, in accordance with the White Paper of August, 1960, to replace the two nominated official members who sit in the Executive Council by elected members.
§ Mr. WallIs my right hon. Friend aware that Dr. Banda is alleged to have said on numerous occasions that he wishes Nyasaland to secede? Will my right hon. Friend tell the House whether secession is constitutionally possible?
§ Mr. MaudlingI think that questions of constitutional changes in the Federation are more for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations than for me, but certainly Dr. Banda has made it absolutely clear that his policy is secession, and it was on that policy that he was elected.