Sir Brian Marwick (Speech)

Oral Answers to Questions — Swaziland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 June 1964.

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Photo of Mr Patrick Wall Mr Patrick Wall , Haltemprice 12:00, 16 June 1964

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies whether he authorised the speech made by Sir Brian Marwick at the end of April on the situation in Swaziland.

Photo of Mr Patrick Wall Mr Patrick Wall , Haltemprice

Would my hon. Friend agree that it is wrong for the Queen's Commissioner publicly to criticise the Swazi Ruler? Is he aware that the new Constitution, which was overwhelmingly rejected in the referendum, is the sole reason why the Ngwenyama has had to descend into the political arena?

Photo of Mr Nigel Fisher Mr Nigel Fisher , Surbiton

This did not purport to be a statement of British policy. Sir Brian Marwick made it quite clear that it contained only his personal reflections at the end of a lifetime of Government service, most of which had been spent in Swaziland.

Photo of Mr George Thomson Mr George Thomson , Dundee East

Is the Minister aware that there will be widespread support, as I think, on both sides of the House for the views expressed by Sir Brian Marwick on the possibility of constitutional development in Swaziland?

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