§ 18. Mr. ALAN TODDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the petition addressed to him from the inhabitants of St. Helena dealing with elected representation on the Executive Council for the Colony; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have received a petition signed by certain of the inhabitants of St. Helena praying for the inauguration of a Legislative Council. After full consideration, I have felt unable to accede to this request, as it appears to me that the interests of the population as a whole are best served by the maintenance of the present system of Government, which provides for an expression of unofficial opinion through the Executive Council. The Executive Coun- 1071 cil consists of the Governor and two official members, together with three unofficial members chosen from among the residents in the island.