§ Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the terms of the Resolution of the Nigerian House of Representatives relating to independence and Commonwealth membership; and what action he proposes to take on it.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodYes. The resolution reads as follows:—
"That this House authorises the Government of the Federation of Nigeria to request Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom as soon as practicable to introduce legislation in the Parliament of the United Kingdom providing for the establishment of the Federation of Nigeria on October 1st, 1960, as an independent sovereign state, and to request Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom at the appropriate time to support with the other Member Governments of the Commonwealth Nigeria's desire to become a member of the Commonwealth".
I have informed the Government of Nigeria that Her Majesty's Government 52W in the United Kingdom will introduce legislation during the present session of Parliament to enable the Federation of Nigeria to become fully independent on 1st October, 1960. I have further informed them that Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom will also support with the Governments of the other Members of the Commonwealth Nigeria's desire to become a member of the Commonwealth on independence.