HC Deb 12 June 1967 vol 748 c78
21. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in the drafting of the new constitution for the Federation of South Arabia; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. George Brown

The constitutional proposals prepared by the Federal Government before the visit of the United Nations Mission have been under discussion but no conclusion has yet been reached and I am not at present able to give details.

Mr. King

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept, first, that these consultations have been going on for a long time, and will he use his influence to speed them up, because they are of the utmost consequence? Secondly, will he seek to use what influence he has to see that they result in a First Minister or Prime Minister emerging as the head of the Federation who might act as a focus of loyalty, rather than a rotating chairman going on from month to month?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member has a very good point. I think that he will find that when I make the statement that I have promised to the House next week I will cover it.