§ 8. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the change in the divorce law of Trinidad?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)Yes, Sir. A Bill has recently been passed by a free vote in the Trinidad Legislative Council dealing with divorce. I have received certain representations in favour of the disallowance of this Bill. I have given the matter careful consideration and I am satisfied that I should not be justified in taking the exceptional course of advising His Majesty to withhold his assent to a Bill which affords to the citizens of Trinidad the same facilities of divorce to which they would be entitled if they were resident in this country.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre there any other parts of His Majesty's Dominions where Protestants are dealt with in this way?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI should like to have notice of that question.
§ Mr. THORNEIs there any reason for this divorce law if people behave themselves properly?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERTo all those who, like the hon. Member and myself, behave themselves properly it will not apply.
§ Mr. LOGANIs the Minister not aware that the Christian population made no demand for any such divorce law?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, Sir; I am not aware of any such thing. The facts with regard to the Christian population of that island are that rather less than half of the Christian population are Roman Catholics.
§ Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLEWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to consult the electors in this matter by a referendum?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, Sir, certainly not. I see no reason why an entirely new constitution should be introduced for a Crown Colony when a Bill is passed on a free vote in the ordinary way.