HC Deb 05 February 1963 vol 671 cc51-3W
Mr. Mason

asked the First Secretary of State what consideration has been given, following his visit to Central Africa, to Nyasaland's secession from the Central African Federation; and what timetable is visualised to complete it.

Mr. R. A. Butler

It has been agreed that detailed arrangements for Nyasaland's withdrawal will be handled through a Working Party composed of representatives of the Federal and Nyasaland Governments, with a United Kingdom chairman. Representatives of the Government of Northern and Southern Rhodesia will be invited to participate in the discussions as necessary. Matters for consideration will include the apportionment of the Federal debt, and problems affecting members of the Federal Public Service in Nyasaland. Meanwhile I am not in a position to assess what the effect of Nyasaland's withdrawal might be as regards the financial assistance rendered to the territory by Her Majesty's Government. The Working Party will be appointed without delay and while the problems involved are difficult and complex, I am anxious that the work should be completed with all due dispatch.

Mr. Mason

asked the First Secretary of State what consideration has been given to the problem of the federal debt of the Central African Federation in the event of Nyasaland's secession; what percentage will be borne by Nyasaland; and to what extent Her Majesty's Government will be involved in annual payments to assist the Nyasaland economy.

Mr. R. A. Butler

It has been agreed that detailed arrangements for Nyasaland's withdrawal will be handled through a Working Party composed of representatives of the Federal and Nyasaland Governments, with a United Kingdom chairman. Representatives of the Governments of Northern and Southern Rhodesia will be invited to participate in the discussions as necessary. Matters for consideration will include the apportionment of the Federal debt, and problems affecting members of the Federal Public Service in Nyasaland. Meanwhile I am not in a position to assess what the effect of Nyasaland's withdrawal might be as regards the financial assistance rendered to the territory by Her Majesty's Government. The Working Party will be appointed without delay and while the problems involved are difficult and complex, I am anxious that the work should be completed with all due dispatch.

Mr. Mason

asked the First Secretary of State what consultations he has had with the Federal Government about the reorganisation of the Federal Services in the Central African Federation following Nyasaland's secession.

Mr. R. A. Butler

It has been agreed that detailed arrangements for Nyasaland's withdrawal will be handled through a Working Party composed of representatives of the Federal and Nyasaland Governments, with a United Kingdom chairman. Representatives of the Governments of Northern and Southern Rhodesia will he invited to participate in the discussions as necessary. Matters for consideration will include the apportionment of the Federal debt, and problems affecting members of the Federal Public Service in Nyasaland. Meanwhile I am not in a position to assess what the effect of Nyasaland's withdrawal might be as regards the financial assistance rendered to the territory by Her Majesty's Government. The Working Party will be appointed without delay and while the problems involved are difficult and complex, I am anxious that the work should be completed with all due dispatch.

Mr. Robert Jenkins

asked the First Secretary of State whether Her Majesty's Government, in allowing Nyasaland to secede from the Central African Federation, will assume responsibility for that Territory's annual budget deficit; and what this will cost the British Exchequer.

Mr. Butler

It has been agreed that detailed arrangements for Nyasaland's withdrawal will be handled through a Working Party composed of representatives of the Federal and Nyasaland Governments, with a United Kingdom chairman. Representatives of the Governments of Northern and Southern Rhodesia will be invited to participate in the discussions as necessary. Matters for consideration will include the apportionment of the Federal debt, and problems affecting members of the Federal Public Service in Nyasaland. Meanwhile I am not in a position to assess what the effect of Nyasaland's withdrawal might be as regards the financial assistance rendered to the territory by Her Majesty's Government. The Working Party will be appointed without delay and while the problems involved are difficult and complex, I am anxious that the work should be completed with all due dispatch.