HC Deb 22 February 1962 vol 654 cc635-6

Mr. Strachey (by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a statement on his visit to the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Duncan Sandys)

Yes, Sir. I returned yesterday from Salisbury, where I had discussions with the Government of the Federation about various problems in the Federal sphere.

In accordance with established practice, I also consulted the Federal Government about the proposals of Her Majesty's Government for the amendment of the Constitution of Northern Rhodesia. In this connection, the Governor of Northern Rhodesia came to see me in Salisbury, as also did Sir John Moffat.

During my stay in the Federation, I paid a short visit to Nyasaland, where I had talks with the Governor, Dr. Banda, and other Ministers.

While in Salisbury, I also had meetings with the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia.

The House will not expect me to say anything at this stage about the conclusions to be drawn from my talks. There will be no avoidable delay in announcing any decisions which may be reached.

Mr. Strachey

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is extremely urgent that the Government should announce decisions on the inter-related problems in this whole area, and especially on the Constitution for Northern Rhodesia? Is he aware that reports show that the situation is becoming more and more disturbing and that, in the words of The Times today, Every day's delay now darkens the prospect"?

Mr. Sandys

Everyone quotes The Times when it suits him. I assure the right hon. Gentleman that, as I said in my reply, there will be no delay which can be avoided in the announcing of any decisions which may be made.

Mr. Wall

Can my right hon. Friend say whether he has been able to make a new approach to these very difficult problems, which have now been under discussion for well over a year?

Mr. Sandys

There is little new about this problem.

Mr. Thorpe

Can the right hon. Gentleman help us a little more in regard to Northern Rhodesia? He will be aware that it is over a year since the last Constitution was first published, and then varied. Can he tell us when the people of Northern Rhodesia will know their fate? How many weeks will it be before an announcement is made?

Mr. Sandys

It will be made as soon as possible.

Mr. Strachey

There is one thing upon which the Secretary of State can assure the House today, and that is that if the House wishes to change or dissolve the Central African Federation it is in the power of this House, and of no other House, to do so.

Mr. Sandys

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, Parliament does not possess the power to deprive itself of the right to legislate for any British territory which is not fully independent. On the other hand, there are other established conventions for legislating for self-governing dependencies.

Mr. Stonehouse

Does the Secretary of State agree with the conclusion in The Times today that a bitter pill has to be swallowed, that it is in Westminster that the decision about the future of the Federation will have to be taken, and that this responsibility cannot be delegated to Salisbury? Will he agree with that?

Mr. Sandys

The responsibility for deciding what shall be the Constitution of Northern Rhodesia rests here, in London. On the other hand, as the hon. Member knows, we have a well-established obligation to consult the Federal Government about this, and that is what we have done.

Mr. Callaghan

Are the Government now in a position where, having consulted the Federal Government and other responsible authorities, they are ready to reach their own conclusion and publish it to the House and Northern Rhodesia?

Mr. Sandys

That is what we are in process of doing.