§ 66. Miss RATHBONEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what action the Government proposes to take in view of the rejection by the Legislature of Bermuda of the request made to them by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, through the Acting Governor, that they would revise the franchise qualification fixed in 1834, under which no women and only 6 per cent. of the population of the colony are enfranchised?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Dr. Drummond Shiels)Any alteration in the franchise rests entirely with the Legislature of Bermuda, over which my Noble Friend has no control. His Majesty's Government are therefore not in a position to take any action in the matter.
§ Miss RATHBONEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Legislature of Bermuda evidently anticipated that some action would be taken, and they quoted a precedent in support of overriding action in such matters?
§ Dr. SHIELSI am not aware of that fact. As the hon. Lady knows, the Secretary of State, in a dispatch, pointed out the position in regard to the franchise, and went very closely into this matter. I am afraid that it is not possible to take any further steps.
§ Miss RATHBONEIn the case of a Crown colony, is it not possible for the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the British Government to take any steps where a Legislature refuses to bring itself into line with modern opinion?
§ Dr. SHIELSBermuda is in a special position, and nothing can be done in this matter without an Act of Parliament.