HC Deb 21 February 1922 vol 150 cc1700-1
24. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps have yet been taken to call a constituent assembly together in Iraq; and what is the Government's present policy on this subject?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It is hoped that a representative assembly will meet in Bagdad very shortly. The electoral law has been completed; elections are now being held for the municipal bodies, whose business it will be to carry out the provisions of the electoral law in the towns; and it is anticipated that the elections for the assembly itself will be held almost at once.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the franchise given to the voters in the Iraq as liberal as that given to voters of a similar character in Palestine?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I should like notice of that question.