§ 2. Mr. Brockwayasked the First Secretary of State if he will appoint independent commissions to arbitrate between the Governments of Nyasaland, Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia and the Federal Government when disputes occur regarding the allocation of Federal funds and services prior to and during the dissolution of the Federation.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerIt is Her Majesty's Government's objective to secure an orderly dissolution of the Federation in the interests of all concerned, but I cannot answer Questions about measures to be taken in hypothetical circumstances.
§ Mr. BrockwayBut is it the case that this is so hypothetical? Are there not already difficulties between Nyasaland and the Federal Government regarding the allocation of finances? In order to secure a dissolution of the Federation which will bring the least racial conflict, is it not desirable that the Minister should consider some arbitraral body which may be able to settle these issues?
§ Mr. ButlerThere is already Sir George Curtis who is performing the job of allocating assets and liabilities and 1510 considering the question of the Federal debt and other matters as between Nyasaland and the Federation. This is working quite satisfactorily, but, if necessary, we shall have to enlarge that idea.
§ 4. Mr. Swinglerasked the First Secretary of State if he will make an immediate survey of the needs for social services in the territories of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland for which Her Majesty's Government is responsible with a view to ensuring that the supply position does not deteriorate during the period of the break-up of the Federation.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI see no cause for such action at present. As I informed the House in my statement of 21st May, I am communicating with the Governments concerned about a conference to discuss the orderly dissolution of the Federation and the consequential problems involved.
§ Mr. SwinglerHas the right hon Gentleman seen the disturbing reports in the Guardian recently about diminishing supplies in the social services in Northern Rhodesia, controlled by the Federal Government? Does he know, for example, that it is said that there is a shortage of drugs in the hospitals? Would he cause inquiries to be made to find out whether there is a deterioration in the supply situation so that immediate action can be taken during this difficult interim period?
§ Mr. ButlerI am aware of these reports, but I understand from my initial inquiries, which are not yet complete, that the Federal Government deny these allegations.
§ 8. Mr. Goodhewasked the First Secretary of State what action he is taking to safeguard the right of civilians of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland when that Federation is dissolved; and whether compensation will be paid to those who lose these rights.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerAfter dissolution, the safeguarding of individual rights will be a matter for each territory. Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland already have a constitutional Bill of Rights and it is intended that one should be introduced for Northern Rhodesia as soon as possible.
§ Mr. GoodhewIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are certain rights attaching to Federal citizens which would not apply if they were living in a city which became Malawi or Zambia? Will he assure the House that the Government have no intention, unilaterally, of introducing legislation which would deprive them of these rights?
§ Mr. ButlerThe question of Federal citizenship in relation to the future of the individual territories is one which will have to be discussed upon the dissolution of the Federation.