asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies when he expects to announce his decision about a new constitution for Bechuanaland; and when he proposes that new elections should be held.

My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make a statement very shortly.

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Can he give more precise details about the timetable? Can he promise us that the statement will be made within the next week or two? Has it to be followed by a constitutional conference? Is there any possibility of having elections during the coming year?

I cannot give a precise answer about the date. I hope that it will be possible to make a statement before the Whitsuntide Recess, but I would rather not anticipate what my right hon. Friend's statement will contain.