50. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has given his approval to the proposal that the telephone service in Trinidad should continue leased to a private concern for an additional period of 20 years; and, in view of the protests of the municipality of the Port of Spain, what were the circumstances justifying this policy?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 8th March, to which I have nothing to add.
Mr. Creech JonesMay I say that I am fully aware of that reply, and that my question now is what were the circumstances justifying this policy?
Mr. MacDonaldOne reason is that this policy received the support of the Legislative Council and a majority of the unofficial members, and that it really accords with the will of the people of Trinidad in this matter.
§ Mr. RileyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the unanimous view of the municipal council on this matter?
Mr. MacDonaldThe point of view of the municipal council was put very thoroughly in the course of the discussion in the Legislative Council, but despite that, the unofficial members voted for the proposal.
Mr. Creech JonesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the unofficial members are not really representative of the people of Trinidad?