§ 65. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the proposals for inter-territorial organisation in East Africa.
Mr. Creech JonesYes, Sir. My hon. Friend will be aware that proposals for an improved scheme of inter-territorial co-ordination in East Africa were issued as a basis for public discussion at the end of 1945 in a non-Parliamentary paper, Colonial No. 191. Wide consultations subsequently took place in the East African Territories and I was fortunate enough, during my visit to East Africa last year, to have the opportunity of discussing the proposals with members of all communities in each of the Territories. Recently the Governors of the three Territories have, on my instructions, held consultations with the unofficial members of the Legislative Councils, and, following these consultations, modified proposals are today being issued as a basis for further public discussion and debate in the Legislative Councils of Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika. The modified proposals, which should be regarded as replacing the proposals for re-organisation contained in paragraphs 12–37 of Colonial 191, are contained in a paper of which copies are being placed in the Library of the House. I hope that, following the debates in the Legislative Councils, it will be possible to take steps to bring the new inter-territorial scheme into effect, in order to meet the pressing need for establishing a constitutional framework for the efficient60W administration of the inter-territorial services and for associating representatives of the public with the work of these services.