HC Deb 30 May 1963 vol 678 cc1512-3
6. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the First Secretary of State what guarantees of individual liberty he proposes to obtain in Nyasaland prior to the final grant of independence.

Mr. R. A. Butler

This is already provided for in the Bill of Rights which is included in Nyasaland's new Constitution.

Dr. Johnson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that disturbing attitudes towards individual liberty are developing with the new Government in Nyasaland, as can be supported by evidence which is readily available? Is he likewise aware of Dr. Banda's reported statement at his first Press conference to the effect that the Bill of Rights is "just a piece of paper?" Will he ask Dr. Banda to clarify that statement?

Mr. Butler

Dr. Banda accepted the Bill of Rights in the course of the Constitutional Conference which was held in London. It is true that he added the words: …the real Bill of Rights here for Europeans or for anyone who is not an African, is the good will of the people of this country.. He nevertheless accepted the Bill of Rights, and I attach importance to this fact.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

In that statement from which my right hon. Friend quoted, did not Dr. Banda advise people who might have a complaint against trespassers not to go to the police or the proper authorities but to the local political organisation of the Malawi Congress Party? Does this not show that the rule of law is being replaced by one-party dictatorship, and what effect will this have on the people in Northern and Southern Rhodesia, where we all hope to see political advances made for all the communities?

Mr. Butler

When I was in Nyasaland there was some difficulty about encroachment on property, as it is a very closely populated country. I spoke to Dr. Banda about this matter, and I am satisfied that the matter is in hand. I hope, in agreement with my hon. Friend, that it can be dealt with through the normal channels he has mentioned.

Mr. Brockway

Would the First Secretary not agree that since Dr. Banda became Prime Minister he has taken steps to urge racial co-operation between the communities in Nyasaland? Is there any justification for the allegations that he is going back on that in any way?

Mr. Butler

I believe that Dr. Banda fully realises that the 8,000 Europeans—a very small number compared with the 3½ million Africans in the country—should be permitted rightly to live their lives to the full. I believe that to be his view, and it is a view which I would encourage.