HC Deb 21 June 1944 vol 401 cc187-8
40. Mr. Hugh Lawson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, by whom the powers of the city council of Gibraltar are being exercised at the present time; when it is proposed to restore these powers to the members of the council; and what proportion of this council is elected and on what franchise.

Colonel Stanley

I understand that the powers of the city council are at present delegated by the Governor under the City Council (Suspension and Transfer of Powers) Ordinance, 1940, to one of the members of the council at the time of its suspension. No decision has yet been made regarding the date of restoration of these powers to the members of the council. Of the nine members of the council, four are elected. A qualified elector is a male British subject of full age, not in arrears as to payment of rates, who has, during a period of not less than six months prior to 15th July in the year in which the register is prepared, occupied any land or premises in Gibraltar as owner, tenant or lodger. Persons in the service of the Crown are not entitled to be registered by virtue of occupation of free quarters.

Mr. Lawson

While thanking the right hon. and gallant Gentleman for his reply, may I ask that, when his Department considers the powers of the council, he will see that the franchise is on a rather wider basis and that a larger proportion of members are elected?

Colonel Stanley

I have the whole matter of the future constitution under consideration.