§ The report of the Basutoland Constitutional Commission is shortly to be considered by the Basutoland National Council and the British Government consider, therefore, that it may be of value if they give a preliminary indication of their views.
§ The British Government recognise that the attainment of independence is a natural and legitimate aspiration of the people of Basutoland. The British Government have no wish to delay independence longer than is absolutely necessary.
§ The British Government, therefore, welcome the Commission's general proposal that the people of Basutoland should assume a much greater responsibility for the administration of 329 their country; and they are in sympathy with many of the specific recommendations in the report. On the other hand, the British Government must make it clear that they could not accept continued responsibilities for internal security, defence, external affairs and financial support unless they are assured of the constitutional means to discharge them. It does not appear that the recommendations of the Commission as they stand would assure this.
§ The British Government are also concerned about the proposals that an executive public service commission should be introduced at once with a full compensation scheme for expatriate officials and that the British Government should cease to have power to amend the Constitution; nor do they consider that the headship of state should be changed at this stage.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy Lords, will my noble friend ask Her Majesty's Government to consider helping the Basuto people, financially from the British Treasury and diplomatically with the South African Government, to try to bring the quite exceptional water resources of Basutoland into use, since they are perhaps the most material way in which Basutoland can attain economic independence—which, as everyone, I think, will agree, must precede political independence?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNEMy Lords, of course Her Majesty's Government do all they can to help the people of Basutoland. I would remind the noble Lord that in 1962–63 grant-in-aid was £1.4 million; in 1963–64, £1.6 million. On the specific point of the water resources, I think the noble Lord is probably referring to the Ox-bow Plan, which is the Orange River development. All this, as I am sure the noble Lord is well aware, depends on the willingness of the people of the Republic to buy the water and to buy the electric power. Up to date there has been no indication on their part that they wish to buy either the power or the water.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy Lords, with respect, that was why I asked Her Majesty's Government to help the Basuto delegation diplomatically in that matter.
§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNEOf course, as we are responsible for the people of Basutoland, we shall continue to help them in every way we can.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEThank you.