§ 25. Mr. McSHANE (for Dr. MORGAN)asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to state how many islands in the West Indies have had resolutions proposed by elected members in the local legislative councils asking for a Parliamentary commission of inquiry into their political, economic, educational, and social status; how many of such resolutions have been passed; and whether any considered reply has yet been made by the Secretary of State for the Colonies?
§ Mr. LUNNI have been asked to take this question. A resolution was moved in the Legislative Council of Trinidad on the 14th November, 1930, requesting the appointment of a Royal Commission to investigate the question of granting self-government to the inhabitants of the Colony, and asking that a copy should be forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. My Noble Friend duly received the resolution from the Governor, and in reply to the Governor referred to the fact that it is little more than six years since the present Constitution of the Colony was established, and stated that he is of the opinion that the development of representative institutions in Trinidad, and of the political and economic knowledge and experience which give them their value, is not yet sufficient to justify any constitutional 1748 change. Resolutions relating to constitutional matters have been received from other West Indian Colonies, but these do not bear the description given by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. R. A. TAYLORDoes the present Constitution of Trinidad give opportunity for the opinion of the inhabitants to become effective, or does the majority of the council consist of nominated members?