HC Deb 19 April 1950 vol 474 c15W
30. Mr. J. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the circumstances under which Mr. J. Morris was expelled from the Northern Rhodesian Executive Council; and in what circumstances the Council has powers to expel members.

Mr. Cook

In practice the Governor makes recommendations for the appointment of Unofficial Members of Executive Council on the advice of their colleagues on Legislative Council, although, if there are strong reasons, he is entitled not to accept this advice. The same principle applies to resignations.

In September. 1949, the Elected Members informed the Governor that more than two-thirds if their members had lost confidence in Mr. Morris as an Unofficial Member of Executive Council. The Governor was satisfied that the differences which had arisen between Mr. Morris and his elected colleagues were major differences of such a character as to interfere with the smooth working of the Legislative and Executive Councils. After careful consideration and consultation with my right hon. Friend's predecessor, he called upon Mr. Morris to resign from the Executive Council. Mr. Morris refused to do so and his appointment was terminated under the Northern Rhodesia Order in Council.

The Executive Council has itself no powers to determine the appointment of any of its members.

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