§ 5. Mr. PENNYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when an opportunity will be afforded to discuss the recent decisions reached at the Imperial Conference; and whether, in view of the increased responsibility now undertaken, within the Empire, by the different Dominions, he will consider the desirability of appointing a majority of unofficial representatives on the legislative councils of all our Crown Colonies so as to make the legislation more representative of the general interests?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Amery)The first part of the hon. Member's question will be dealt with by the Prime Minister in reply to a later question. As regards the second part of the question, the Colonies not possessing responsible government are in widely varying stages of development and there are many cases in which for many years to come it will not be practicable or desirable to provide for a majority of unofficial representatives in the legislative councils. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, constitutional changes that have been made in the last few years have resulted in the grant of a considerable: measure of representative institutions to several Colonies, and it does not appear that at the moment there is any instance in which a further extension of such institutions is desirable.
§ Mr. PENNYWill the right hon. Gentleman take it into his sympathetic consideration to make this alteration as soon as lie thinks it advisable to do so, so that we can have a more progressive and democratic form of government?