§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Dublin Co., S.)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, If any representations have been made by the inhabitants of the West Indian Islands with reference to a reform of the system of Government obtaining in those Colonies; and, if so, whether Her Majesty's Government intend taking any steps to meet their wishes?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)(who replied) said: Her Majesty's Government is considering the request of some of the inhabitants of Trinidad for a modification of the Constitution of that Island, and it is possible that some limited changes may be agreed to. Some of the inhabitants of other Islands have also expressed a desire to have Representative Government, but have been informed that Her Majesty's Government does not think it desirable to change the Constitutions of these Islands. The education and political knowledge of the bulk of the population in the West Indian Islands are not yet sufficiently advanced to enable them to exercise the franchise beneficially to their interests.