VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I wish to ask the Leader of the House whether His Majesty's Government, in view of the recent Press reports of statements alleged to have been made by Sir Godfrey Huggins, Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia, on the amalgamation of that Colony with Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, have now received Lord Hailey's Report on his recent inquiries in those territories and whether they have any statement to make regarding its publication or in other respects.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (LORD MOYNE)My Lords, Lord Hailey's Report has been received and it is being printed with a view to copies being sent to the Governments of Southern and Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. The question of publication of the Report will be considered with the three Governments concerned as soon as they have received copies.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKArising out of that reply, may I ask when that Report is likely to be published in this country?
§ LORD MOYNEI think it would be discourteous to the Governors concerned if I were to express any opinion on that until we have heard their views. This Report raises issues which affect other Departments besides the Colonial Office. It will need very careful consideration, and I think we must await the opinion of the Governors before I can really say any more upon this matter.
§ VISCOUNT BLEDISLOEArising out of that reply will this Report be available to members of this House?
§ LORD MOYNEIt will certainly be available after we are in a position to publish. I have every hope of early publication. As I say, it would not be courteous to the Governors unless they had the opportunity of expressing their views before the Report was made available in this country.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKArising out of that, I suppose that when the noble Lord says "Governors," he means that the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia will receive the Report simultaneously with the Governors.
§ LORD MOYNEThe method of communication is through the Governors. I think that is the case in Southern Rhodesia, but of course that is under the Dominions Office. Certainly the purpose of sending this Report to Southern Rhodesia is for the consideration of the responsible Government.