§ 13. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in two recent elections in British Guiana successful candidates have been unseated on grounds of treating, personation, and bribery; whether he is aware that in one case both candidates were found to have been guilty of corrupt practices: and whether he will cause a thorough inquiry to be made into the existence of corruption in elections in British Guiana?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have received a report from the Acting Governor of British Guiana regarding the circumstances of one recent election, when, as the result of a petition to the Supreme Court of the Colony, the election was declared void. I have also seen a statement to the effect that the Supreme Court took similar action in another recent election. I am asking for a report from the Acting Governor on the matter.
§ Mr. ROBINSONWill my right hon. Friend press for legislation to ensure that in future all candidates who are unseated for corrupt practices should be disqualified from sitting in the Legislative Council for a period of years?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI would rather know the facts before I recommend the legislation. The most effective way to ensure that elections are not corruptly conducted seems to be that people who try to corrupt shall be unseated.
§ Mr. ROBINSONIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as things are now, the unseated candidate can immediately stand again and be elected?