§ 63. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a statement on the present constitutional position in Rhodesia.
§ Mr. BottomleySouthern Rhodesia is a part of Her Majesty's dominions enjoying internal self-government under the Constitution granted by the Southern Rhodesia (Constitution) Order in Council, 1961, in pursuance of the powers conferred by the Southern Rhodesia (Constitution) Act 1961. In consequence of the dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland at the end of 1963, certain amendments have been made to that Constitution, including provisions establishing an appellate division of the High Court of the territory.
§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards constitutional developments in Southern Rhodesia.
§ Mr. BottomleyWe wish to see Southern Rhodesia take her place as an independent State within the Commonwealth, but we must be satisfied that the basis on which independence is to be granted is acceptable to the people of the country as a whole.