HC Deb 09 May 1963 vol 677 c664
45. Mr. Wall

asked the First Secretary of State when Northern Rhodesia is to receive a further constitutional advance; and what arrangements he is making to safeguard the terms of the Barotse Treaty.

The First Secretary of State (Mr. R. A. Butler)

No decisions have yet been taken about constitutional changes for Northern Rhodesia. I am currently examining the problem of Barotseland's future in relation to further constitutional advance in Northern Rhodesia.

Mr. Wall

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that the time has come for a constitutional advance in Northern Rhodesia towards internal self-government and then independence, and that the Litunga and his Council will want Barotseland to become a separate State?

Mr. Butler

The future will have to be discussed with the Litunga and his Council before a final decision can be reached. I am examining the situation in the light of the inquiries I have made there.