HC Deb 23 May 1963 vol 678 cc639-40
Q3. Mr. Healey

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the growing number of urgent colonial problems, in British Guiana and elsewhere, requiring attention and decisions, he will now appoint a separate Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer which my right hon. Friend gave him on 22nd November last.

Mr. Healey

Is the First Secretary aware that there are now a large number of urgent, and even dangerous, colonial problems that have been waiting in vain for the attention of the Commonwealth and Colonial Secretary; in particular, a grave danger of complete breakdown of public order in British Guiana which could impose serious strains on the British strategic reserve? In view of the valuable precedent set by the appointment of the First Secretary of State to look after the problems of Central Africa, will the right hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to appoint a separate Secretary of State to deal with colonial questions, so that these territories may now receive the attention they need, and deserve?

Mr. Butler

While I am aware of the position in British Guiana, and of the difficulties arising in other parts of the world, I am authorised by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to say that he has complete confidence in the handling of these matters by my right hon. Friend the Commonwealth and Colonial Secretary. Therefore, the reply that I must give to the hon. Gentleman is the same as he was given before by the Prime Minister.

Mr. H. Wilson

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that that is just what worries us? Is he aware that there has been no Ministerial decision on the problems of British Guiana for the last month; that it is impossible to get the Secretary of State to give his attention to the question at all, and that the need for a visit to British Guiana by a Minister of high standing is very urgent indeed if we are not to face a very serious crisis there? Will the First Secretary arrange either that a senior Minister goes to British Guiana, with a policy to carry out, or, failing that, that a delegation goes from this House, with one or two senior Members from both sides, to examine this very critical situation?

Mr. Butler

We must be governed in our attitude to British Guiana by the realisation that it is internally self-governing, but in view of the seriousness of the situation there, and in view of the fact that the general strike began on 20th April and that a state of emergency was proclaimed on 8th May, I will undertake to discuss any constructive suggestions with my right hon. Friends concerned.