§ Mr. Arthur Greenwood(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to a new Constitution for Jamaica?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Colonel Oliver Stanley)Yes, Sir. I have asked the Governor to place before the Legislative Council proposals for a new Constitution. These proposals are embodied in a despatch which has been printed as a Command Paper. Copies will be available in the Vote Office before the House rises to-day.
Mr. Creech JonesDo the proposals make provision for a larger measure of responsible government, and is this a prelude to further constitutional reform in the other West Indian Colonies?
§ Colonel StanleyIf the hon. Gentleman will read the proposals, I think he will be satisfied on that point.
§ Mr. RileyIn submitting the new proposals to the Legislative Council, is the Colonial Secretary prepared to consider representations from public bodies in Jamaica so as to have their views upon the proposed changes?
§ Colonel StanleyI had a document which was signed not only by all members of the Legislative Council, but by representatives of bodies outside, and it is my reply to this document that forms the basis of this despatch.