HC Deb 09 February 1955 vol 536 cc219-20W
81. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now make a statement upon the proposed constitutional reforms for Nyasaland.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Yes. The Governor is today convening a conference of African, Asian, and European representatives to discuss with them proposals for the revision of the Constitution. These proposals will increase the total membership of Legislative Council from 21 to 23; the present provision for one nominated European member to represent African interests and for one nominated Asian member will be deleted; one official member will be added, making 12 in all including the Governor, and there will be six non-African unofficials and five African unofficials.

The proposals also provide for the election of non-African members of Legislative Council on a non-African electoral roll by constituencies. No changes are proposed in the method of selection of African unofficial members of Legislative Council or in the composition of Executive Council.

The recommendations and comments of the conference convened by the Governor will be submitted to me in due course.