§ The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and for the Colonies (Mr. Duncan Sandys)On 28th April, I gave tae House an interim report on the progress of the Basutoland Conference.
The conference completed its work in the early hours of this morning and we have just this moment signed our report. Agreement has been reached on the introduction of a new Constitution which will be followed by independence a year later, if the desire for it is confirmed by the people of Basutoland through their Parliament or through a referendum.
On independence, it is intended that the Paramount Chief should become Head of State. Prior to independence, he will be Her Majesty's Representative in the territory. During this interim stage, the British Government's Representative will be responsible for external affairs, defence and internal security, and for the time being, for the public service. He will also have the necessary powers to ensure proper financial administration.
There will be a Legislature composed of a Lower House, elected on the basis of universal adult suffrage and a Senate with delaying powers composed of the Principal Chiefs and persons nominated by the Paramount Chief. The Constitution will, of course, contain safeguards for Human Rights.
Our policy will be based on the expectation that the Basutos will confirm their request for independence one year after the elections are held under the new Constitution. In the interval, we shall delegate to the elected Basutoland Government responsibilities in regard to external affairs and internal security as fully and as quickly as circumstances allow. We shall also take steps to increase the number of locally enlisted public servants.
The report of the conference, including the outline of the draft Constitution, 778 will be published at once, and will be presented to Parliament as a White Paper as soon as it can be printed.
§ Mr. G. M. ThomsonIs the Secretary of State aware that we are grateful to him for telling the House about the conclusion of this conference so very quickly and before we adjourn for Whitsun?
We shall want to study the White Paper when it becomes available, but is he aware that there will be a general welcome that agreement now appears to have been reached between the Secretary of State and the delegates at this constitutional conference on the timetable for independence?
Can the right hon. Gentleman say anything about the financial arrangements in relation to independence, as at the moment about one-third of the Basutoland budget is met by grants in aid from this country?
§ Mr. SandysI do not think that I can say any more than I said in reply to a Question from the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) the other day. The right moment for any financial arrangements to be negotiated will be when we have an elected Basutoland Government to deal with.