HC Deb 01 July 1942 vol 381 cc197-8
26. Mr. Riley

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the proposed scheme for the reform of local government in Jamaica has now been completed; and whether any steps have been taken to compile a register of electors as a necessary preliminary to the establishment of universal suffrage in Jamaica?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply returned to him on 29th April, to which I am unable to add anything at present. The compilation of a register of electors cannot be undertaken until a census has been carried out. The officer appointed to take the census arrived recently in Jamaica.

Mr. Riley

What is being done to carry out the reform of local government, decided upon over a year ago?

Mr. Macmillan

I told the hon. Member that on 29th April. He agreed with me that the first necessity was to take the census, and he pressed me as to the arrival of the officer appointed to do so. That officer has now arrived.

Mr. Sorensen

How long will the census take?

Mr. Macmillan

I am afraid I cannot tell; I have no experience of that sort of thing.