HC Deb 29 March 1962 vol 656 cc134-5W
52. Mr. D. Foot

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Her Majesty's Government will now introduce legislation providing for secession of territories from the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in the same manner as the West Indies Bill now provides for Colonies ceasing to be included in the British Caribbean Federation.

Mr. R. A. Butler

No. I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations to my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton (Mr. du Cann) on 8th March.

53. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reply he has sent to the letter he has received from Sir John Moffat, leader of the Northern Rhodesia Liberal Party, requesting assurances regarding proposals for partitioning Northern Rhodesia.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I am asking the Governor to explain to Sir John Moffat that Her Majesty's Government are not committed to such a plan, or indeed to any particular solution of the problems in the Federation; but they are ready to receive proposals, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations said on 8th March. The solution to be sought should be one that can obtain general acceptance.

54. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now make a statement on the review of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

57. Mr. P. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to hold a conference to review the Constitution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I am not yet in a position to make further proposals about the resumption of the Constitutional Review Conference.