§ 59 and 60. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what was the reply given by the Governors of the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands, and Trinidad to the inquiries addressed to them as to the desirability of a commission to investigate the question of constitutional changes in that group of islands; whether he has to report any further developments as regards the constitutional position of these islands; and whether he intends to take any further steps;
(2) when he intends to appoint the proposed commission to inquire into the federation of the West Indies; what will be the probable date of its departure from this country; and what will be its terms of reference?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)The Governors of the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands and Trinidad are in general agreement as to the desirability of a commission being appointed to inquire into the question of closer union between these islands, and I have under consideration the appointment of such a commission.
§ Mr. DAVIESWill the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a more detailed statement?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am not quite sure. I propose to have such a commission, but I should not be prepared to state its personnel for some time. It will be as small as possible in order to combine economy with efficiency.
§ Mr. DAVIESWill the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement soon after Easter?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am not quite sure. I am pretty sure that the commission could not usefully do its work until the autumn, and I should like to have plenty of time to consider it.