35. Mr. David Adamsasked the Under secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to submit the suggestions which have been made for changes in the Constitution of Jamaica to the consideration of the House of Commons before these changes are put into operation?
§ Mr. George HallI would refer my hon. Friend to a reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) on 4th February, to the effect that if the constitutional changes are agreed upon locally, the Government will consider the question of the matter being considered by this House.
Mr. AdamsI take it that the Minister agrees with the proposals regarding the changes, which are of far-reaching importance to the Colonial Empire generally, and that therefore this House must have an opportunity of expressing its opinion?
36. Mr. Adamsasked the Under secretary of State for the Colonies whether a scheme has been prepared under the Colonial Welfare and Development Act, 1940, for the purpose of taking 1558 a census in Jamaica; and, if so, when it is proposed that a census should be taken and what is its estimated cost?
§ Mr. HallNo, Sir. A reply is awaited to the despatch on the subject of the Constitution which was addressed to the Governor of Jamaica on 7th March, a copy of which was placed in the Library of the House on 12th March.
§ Mr. HallWe are waiting to hear from the Government as to whether the proposals are accepted in Jamaica.