HC Deb 08 December 1937 vol 330 cc376-8
29. Mr. David Adams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the report of the Select Committee on Unemployment in Bermuda, which has recommended as a remedy for the excessive population the compulsory sterilisation of certain categories of persons, including the fathers of one illegitimate child and the mothers of two illegitimate children; whether any of the proposals have been incorporated in the Bill presented by the Governor of Bermuda to the Legislative Council; and whether His Majesty's Government regard them as a satisfactory solution of the problem of umemployment in Bermuda?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

As regards the first part of the question, the answer is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question, I am informed by the Governor of Bermuda that none of the proposals relating to sterilisation made by the Select Committee have been incorporated in any Bill, and that no such Bill is contemplated.

Mr. Adams

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the apparent necessity of proposals of this nature and the generally disturbed condition of Bermuda, there should not be a White Paper issued for the information of the House?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

There is no generally disturbed condition in Bermuda. As the hon. Member knows, Bermuda has enjoyed representative government and institutions for a long time. This was a proposal by a local Select Committee.

36. Mr. Adams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the population of Bermuda, white and coloured, respectively; the number of each who have the parliamentary franchise; and the qualication required for this right and that required for membership of the house of assembly?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Turton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the white and coloured populations of Bermuda are living together in perfect harmony, and that the attempt of the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) to stir up racial hatred will be resented by them?

Mr. Adams

Arising out of the answer and the hon. Member's interjection, is the Minister aware that there is great discontent there, and that the coloured population do not enjoy equal rights?

Following is the reply:

Estimated population as at 31st December, 1936:

White … … 12,037
Coloured … … 18,515
Total … … 30,552

Number of persons having the Parliamentary franchise as at 31st December, 1936:

White … … 1,335
Coloured … … 1,018
Total … … 2,353

Qualification for franchise:

The electors are all persons being males and 21 years of age or over whose names appear on the register as being possessed in their own right, or in right of their wives, within the electoral parish, or receiving the profits of a freehold rated at the last parish assessment at not less than £60. A person paying the prescribed fee or acquiring an adequate freehold by marriage, marriage settlement, descent or will, or entitled to be registered in respect of his wife's real estate, may be registered at any period of the year. Other persons can only be registered at the annual revision. The qualification for a member of the Assembly is the possession of a freehold rated at £240. The rating for a voter and a candidate is the assessed value of the property as assessed by each parish.