HC Deb 30 June 1966 vol 730 cc2162-3
4. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the constitutional position in Mauritius, following the publication of the Banwell Report.

12. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the implementation of the Banwell Commission Report on Mauritius, arising out of the visit of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Colony earlier this week.

15. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about the visit of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to Mauritius for the purpose of assessing public reaction to the findings of the Ban-well Commission Report.

Mr. Frederick Lee

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State is now discussing the report in Mauritius and it is early yet to think of any statement.

Mr. Wall

Does the right hon. Gentleman adhere to his previous statement in the House that he accepts this Commission's report? Is he also considering the possibility of a referendum and the effect which these discussions are likely to have on the date of independence?

Mr. Lee

As I have intimated to the House, my hon. Friend is now out there. I hope that he will not be there much longer. I would prefer not to say any more at the moment.

Mr. Fisher

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that there is any prospect of compromise within the framework of the Banwell Commission proposals, which he has already accepted in principle? If so, would he consider holding further talks with the leaders of political opinion in Mauritius soon so as to prevent any delay in the independence date?

Mr. Lee

The hon. Gentleman is right. We are looking at the general content of Banwell and it will be helpful if my hon. Friend is able to get agreement. If he is not, we shall have to reconsider the position.

Mr. James Johnson

Is it not a fact that the Mauritius Parliament have formed a coalition Government since the election, of the Labour Party, the Muslim Party and the Independence bloc, who are deeply shocked by the findings of the Commission; further, that the only party in opposition, the Parti Mauricien, which is usually termed the "capitalist bourgeoisie", is delighted? Would my right hon. Friend consider convening a conference in London to look at the whole matter?

Mr. Lee

It is difficult to add to what I have said. There was a conference in London some time ago which did not make much progress on this issue.