HC Deb 02 May 1967 vol 746 cc29-30W
Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what further progress has been made towards the independence of Mauritius and Swaziland; and whether he will make a statement.

Mrs. Hart

The grant of independence to Mauritius depends on the outcome of the General Election shortly to be held under the new electoral system. I understand that the date of the General Election will be announced shortly after the Mauritius Premier's return to the island later this month.

As regards Swaziland, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall).

Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the progress of internal self-government in Swaziland and the final constitutional developments to full independence.

Mrs. Hart

On 25th April a new constitution came into operation, conferring internal self-government on Swaziland and recognising the Ngwenyama as King and Head of State and Swaziland became a Protected State. It remains the intention of Her Majesty's Government, as stated in the White Paper of last October, that Swaziland should become independent not later than the end of 1969.