§ 89. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the petitions of the Nyasaland 227 African Congress and the Northern Rhodesia African Congress against any federation of Northern and Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and their protests against the London conference of officials from these three Governments on this subject; and what action he proposes to take in response thereto.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI have received a petition on this subject from the Northern Rhodesia African Congress. This will, of course, be fully considered but, as I explained to the House on 8th November, 1950, the Conference of officials is purely exploratory and it will in no way commit any of the participating Governments to the adoption of any proposals that it may formulate. I also stated that full account would be taken of the special responsibilities of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom towards Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and that adequate opportunity would be afforded for public' discussion of any proposals that may be put forward. This will include consultation with African opinion in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland.