HC Deb 20 April 1959 vol 604 cc16-7W
94. Mr. Wall

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a statement about constitutional development in the Bechuanaland Protectorate.

Mr. Alport

My noble Friend has now considered the High Commissioner's recommendations on the resolution adopted by the Joint Advisory Council for the Bechuanaland Protectorate last year. He has asked the High Commissioner to cause the Joint Advisory Council to be informed that he will be happy to consider proposals for the establishment of a Legislative Council for the Protectorate. To this end the Resident Commissioner is being asked to formulate and submit proposals to the High Commissioner, after consultation with the Joint Advisory Committee and consideration of any views submitted by interested persons in the Protectorate. The High Commissioner's recommendations on these proposals will be submitted to my noble Friend in due course.

A statement to this effect is being made to the Joint Advisory Council by the Resident Commissioner today.