§ 24. Mr. HURDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply he has made to the petition of the Colony of 816 Grenada for the substitution for Crown colony government of some system based on popular representation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe petition has been considered, and it has been decided to introduce an element of elected representation into the Legislative Council of Greneda. The Governor has been informed accordingly, and has been instructed to appoint a Commission or Committee to report on the details of the proposed change.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDoes this in any way prejudice the federation of the West Indian islands?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI must ask for notice of that question.
§ Sir S. HOAREDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think the time has come for an inquiry into the cases of the Grenada and all other West Indian Constitutions?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI must also ask for notice of that question.
§ 25. Mr. HURDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the Grenada Legislature has taken any, and, if so, what action upon his recent despatch concerning Transatlantic steamship communications what other Colonies have taken action in the matter; and what are the prospects of an early improvement in this respect?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Legislative Council of Grenada decided that, subject to certain conditions, the Colony would make a contribution of £1,500 for a combined Transatlantic and inter-Colonial service, or £500 for a fortnightly trans-Atlantic steamship service. The Colonies of British Guiana, Barbados, St. Lucia, and the Presidency of St. Kitts Nevis are, I understand, also favourable in principle to a contribution to the cost of a Transatlantic service. The question whether His Majesty's Government will contribute a subsidy to enable a satisfactory service to be resumed is now under consideration.
§ Mr. HURDCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether that consideration would not be assisted if some such inquiry were made?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat has nothing to do with the question on the paper.