56. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the approaching celebrations 1872 of the tercentenary of the Barbados Assembly, he will arrange for transforming this body into a proper democratic assembly by extending the franchise to the people of the Colony and revising the terms of qualification of its members; and whether he will make representations that all political and trade union prisoners should be released?
Mr. MacDonaldI have received no representations from the people or Government of Barbados suggesting that the tercentenary of the House of Assembly should be celebrated in the manner proposed by the hon. Member, nor do I see any particular virtue in seizing this occasion for such a change. With regard to the last part of the question, I cannot accept the suggestion that any persons have been imprisoned for engaging in political or trade union activities in Barbados.
Mr. Creech JonesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very narrow franchise in Barbados and the considerable feeling among West Indians on this point, and the fact that there is a trade union leader in prison at the present time in Barbados undergoing 10 years' hard labour for organising trade unions?
Mr. MacDonaldI am aware of the somewhat narrow nature of the franchise, but I have not received any representations on the matter. With regard to the second part of the question, I cannot accept the suggestion that any individual is in prison in Barbados for organising trade unions.
Mr. Creech JonesMay I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the statement of the judge who imposed the sentence?