HC Deb 21 November 1963 vol 684 cc135-6W
Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will publish the terms of the report of the Basutoland Constitutional Commission; and what Her Majesty's Government policy is on the Commission's recommendations.

Mr. Sandys

In answer to the first part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the right hon. Member for Middlesbrough, East (Mr. Bottomley) on 19th November.

With regard to the second part of the Question, the following is the text of a statement which I issued on 12th November on the subject of the Basutoland Constitutional Report.

BASUTOLAND CONSTITUTIONAL REPORT

The report of the Basutoland Constitutional Commission is shortly to be considered by the Basutoland National Council and the British Government consider, therefore, that it may be of value if they give a preliminary indication of their views.

The British Government recognise that the attainment of independence is a natural and legitimate aspiration of the people of Basutoland. The British Government have no wish to delay independence longer than is absolutely necessary.

The British Government, therefore, welcome the Commission's general proposal that the people of Basutoland should assume a much greater responsibility for the administration of their country; and they are in sympathy with many of the specific recommendations in the report. On the other hand, the British Government must make it clear that they could not accept continued responsibilities for internal security, defence, external affairs and financial support unless they are assured of the constitutional means to discharge them. It does not appear that the recommendations of the Commission as they stand would assure this.

The British Government are also concerned about the proposals that an executive public service commission should be introduced at once with a full compensation scheme for expatriate officials and that the British Government should cease to have power to amend the constitution; nor do they consider that the headship of state should be changed at this stage.