Mr Philip Hocking
, Coventry South
To ask the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the progress of the Basutoland Conference.
Mr Duncan Sandys
, Wandsworth Streatham
The conference is still proceeding, but I can give the House an interim report.
The Basutoland delegation have unanimously asked that Basutoland should become independent at the end of a preparatory period of one year after new elections, to be held before the end of 1964.
The delegation have made it clear that they fully appreciate the serious economic problems which confront Basutoland and that they are not asking Britain for any assurance of continued military protection after independence.
I have informed them that the British Government do not wish to withhold independence longer than the people of Basutoland think necessary, but that, in our opinion, a preparatory period of one year may well prove insufficient.
We are disposed to approve a constitution for independence on the general lines recommended by the delegation. But we consider that the important decision regarding the timing of independence should be left over until the new Basutoland Parliament has had the opportunity to weigh carefully the large issues involved.
If the Lower House, which is to be elected on the basis of universal adult suffrage, should at any time not earlier than one year after the new elections, pass a resolution asking for independence the British Government will seek to give effect to their wishes as soon as possible.
The Basutoland delegation have asked that, in the interval between now and independence, the British Government should have responsibilities for external affairs, defence and internal security and should continue to finance their budgetary deficit and provide capital assistance. We shall be prepared to continue for the present to bear these responsibilities, provided that we retain the powers which we consider necessary to discharge them satisfactorily.
Mr Fenner Brockway
, Eton and Slough
While welcoming that statement, may I ask whether any discussions have taken place about increased economic assistance from this country in view of the isolated situation of Basutoland in South Africa?
Mr Duncan Sandys
, Wandsworth Streatham
Naturally, we should like to give them more money, but we are giving them as much as we can afford, having regard to the many other calls upon our resources.
Mr Patrick Wall
, Haltemprice
While also welcoming the statement, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether it is clear that with independence sovereignty passes to His Highness the Paramount Chief?
Mr Duncan Sandys
, Wandsworth Streatham
I do not want to anticipate the terms of the future constitution, because that is a matter which we are discussing at the moment.
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