§ 2.6 p.m.
§ LORD ADDISONMy Lords, may I ask the noble Viscount the Leader of the House a question of which I have given private notice—namely, whether His Majesty's Government can make any statement as to the future relations between Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland?
VISCOUNT CRANBORNEMy Lords, His Majesty's Government have recently had under further consideration the question of the relations between Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland. In considering this question, they have fully taken into account the recommendations of the Royal Commission of 1938–39, and they have also taken the opportunity to discuss the present situation in the throe Territories with the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia and the Governors of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland during their recent visits to this country. It is recognized that there should be the closest possible co-ordination of the policy and action of the 595 Governments of the three Territories in all matters of common interest, and it has been agreed with them that concrete and positive steps should be taken to ensure that this co-ordination is effective and comprehensive. With this end in view, it is proposed that a Standing Central African Council covering the three Territories should be established on a permanent basis and that a permanent Inter-Territorial Secretariat should be set up. The Council will be consultative in character and its general function will be to promote the closest contact and co-operation between the three Governments and their administrative and technical services. Its precise functions and constitution will be matters for consultation between the three Governments, hut it is contemplated that it should deal with communications, economic relations, industrial development, research, labour, education, agricultural, veterinary and medical matters, currency and such other matters as may be agreed between the three Governments.
It is contemplated also that permanent standing committees of the Council should be set up to deal with communications. industrial development, research and such other matters as may be agreed upon, and that in addition ad hoc conferences should be held under the ægis of the Council to deal with technical and special subjects. It is intended that the leading unofficials in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland should be closely associated with the work of the Council and its committees. His Majesty's Government realize that the Southern Rhodesia Government still adhere to their view that the three Territories should be amalgamated. While, however, His Majesty's Government have, after careful consideration, come to the conclusion that the amalgamation of the Territories under existing circumstances cannot be regarded as practicable, they are confident that the present scheme will make an important contribution, by ensuring a closer contact and co-operation to the future prosperity of the two Rhodesias and Nyasaland.
§ LORD ADDISONMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Viscount for this important and comprehensive statement. And might I ask him, first, whether this will require legislation; secondly, whether the term "labour" in regard to the matters with which the Council will deal 596 will include native policy; and, thirdly, what will be the position of the unofficial members referred to in the concluding part of the statement?
VISCOUNT CRANBORNEWith regard to the first question the noble Lord has asked, as far as I know it will not require legislation. With regard to the second, which was a question about native policy, as I have said this African Council will be merely consultative, it will not impose upon the three Governments any form of administration. With regard to the third question, the unofficial members will be in exactly the same position as all other members of the African Government. They are there to represent unofficial opinion generally.
§ LORD AMMONMay I ask the noble Viscount if there will be any opportunity, either in this House or in another place, to discuss the policy he has just announced and will information be given as to the personnel of the Council?
VISCOUNT CRANBORNEI see no reason why there should not be a discussion upon it. It is, as your Lordships know, a question about which there has been a certain amount of feeling on both sides, and I do not know whether very much discussion would improve that situation. I think the statement I have made is absolutely clear and it will be for the noble Lord to consider that for himself. With regard to the official personnel, I might let the noble Lord know about that later.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMay I ask whether in future these changes in Constitutions should not be placed before Parliament for consultation, as in the past? This West African change in Constitution has apparently been granted in principle and arranged without any consultation with Parliament at all. I understand that the same sort of thing is occurring with regard to Northern Rhodesia. I think we ought to have some undertaking in Parliament that new Constitutions will not be given to any of our Colonies or Protectorates without Parliament being consulted beforehand.
VISCOUNT CRANBORNEThere is no constitutional change in this. This is a Consultative Council for the three Territories. It does not involve a constitutional change so far as I can see. I do not think it could be argued by the noble Lord that 597 His Majesty's Government should not take any decisions in consultation with the other Governments concerned without seeking the approval of the House. We had a debate on that subject on a Motion put down by Lord Vansittart only the other day. I think Parliament always has its remedy. If it does not approve of what His Majesty's Government do, members can raise a debate and take whatever action they think right, but I do not think it is constitutionally correct to say such a negotiation should not have been, or could not have been, carried out without prior consultation.
VISCOUNT EUBANKI must apologize to the noble Viscount. I came in rather late and I had in mind that a new Constitution had just been granted to the Gold Coast Colony, or was in the course of being granted. It was the question particularly in regard to West Africa to which I was referring.