HC Deb 30 May 1963 vol 678 cc1508-9
5. Mr. Wall

asked the First Secretary of State if he will make a statement about his talks with the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia.

12. Mr. D. Foot

asked the First Secretary of State whether he will make a statement regarding his conversations with Mr. Winston Field.

Mr. R. A. Butler

As I informed the House on 21st May, the current discussions in London are a continuation of the exchanges with the Southern Rhodesia Government on the question of independence which began with the correspondence published in Command Paper 2000. I am not able to make a statement until these exchanges have been completed.

Mr. Wall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we all realise the very difficult task that is in front of him and that we wish him well? Would he agree that time is not on his side if there is to be secured an orderly dissolution of the Federation? When does my right hon. Friend think that he will be able to make a statement on this matter?

Mr. Butler

I do not think that it will be possible for me to do so in the next two days, because I do not think that the conversations will necessarily be concluded this week.

Later—

Mr, D. Foot

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. You have not called Question No. 12.

Mr. Speaker

It was answered with Question No. 5. I looked fervently towards the hon. and learned Gentleman, who did not rise to ask a supplementary question