§ Mr. Rileyasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a revision of the constitution of the Legislative Council of Jamaica is at present under consideration; whether he will give an assurance that in making any such revision public opinion in Jamaica will be consulted; and to provide that effect shall be given to the two recommendations of the West Indian Royal Commission that the Legislative Council should be made truly representative of the people of Jamaica, and that the election of such representatives should be based on adult suffrage?
§ Mr.George HallThe answer to the first and second parts of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the Question, these are matters which are still under consideration.
§ Mr. RileyIs my hon. Friend fully aware of the tremendous feeling that has developed in Jamaica over the lack of consultation of the Jamaican people in regard to the revision of the constitution, and is there to be any consultation over the extension of the franchise?
§ Mr. HallI can add nothing at the moment to the reply I have given. The proposed new constitution has not been discussed, but certain matters have been discussed by the Legislative Council, and those matters have been considered in the negotiations which are proceeding.