HC Deb 22 November 1962 vol 667 c1378
5. Mr. Goodhew

asked the First Secretary of State why the Convention African National Union is not presented at the Nyasaland Constitutional Conference.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Representation at the Nyasaland Constitutional Conference is based on membership of the Legislative Council. As the Convention African National Union has no such representative it was not invited to attend the Conference.

Mr. Goodhew

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that this party has considerable support in Nyasaland, so much so that the Malawi Party has found it necessary to attack its headquarters and members of the party on five different occasions, without any prosecutions being instituted against it? Even if representatives cannot at this late stage be admitted to the Conference, will my right hon. Friend at least see them himself and hear their views?

Mr. Butler

These representatives have been interviewed at the Central African Office. They have submitted their suggestions in writing, which have been noted and taken into account by me personally. As regards seeing them, I have to bear in mind the variety of minority interests if I accede to the request of one section. Perhaps my hon. Friend will speak to me about this.