§ 97. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any 292W African representatives were present at the recent conference at Victoria Falls on Central African federation; how the chairman was chosen; and whether he will give an assurance that local African opinion will be as adequately consulted as the European on the proposals of the conference.
Mr. Creech JonesSo far as I am aware, no Africans were present. This was an unofficial conference and I am not aware how the chairman was chosen. His Majesty's Government have a special responsibility to the African communities and full account would have to be taken of African opinion before any constitutional change affecting African interests could be considered.
§ 98. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the pronouncement made by the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia to the effect that the Central African Council is an inadequate instrument for promoting development; and what is his policy in this matter.
Mr. Creech JonesMy hon. Friend is presumably referring to a statement made at the recent conference at Victoria Falls. That conference was unofficial and I have not received a full official report of its proceedings. My view is that the Central African Council should continue its work so long as all three Governments concerned are prepared to participate in it.