§ 38. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the recommendations of the Franchise Committee set up in British Guiana and Trinidad three years ago have now been received and made public; whether census arrangements have been made in preparation for an extension of the franchise; and will he make a statement showing the present position and prospects.
§ Colonel StanleyI have received and am considering the report of the Franchise Committee in Trinidad. It will be published in the Colony together with Government's proposals for action on it as soon as these have been drawn up. I understand that a report signed by 11 of the 21 members of the British Guiana Franchise Commission has been submitted to the Governor, together with a minority report signed by one member. The Governor is awaiting the comments or signatures of the remaining members of the Commission. No special arrangements have yet been made for a census in connection with the possible future extension of the franchise in either colony.
§ Mr. MathersIs the Colonial Secretary alive to the necessity for expediting this matter?
§ Colonel StanleyYes, I am very much alive to it. I gather that it will be unnecessary to have special arrangements for a census. With regard to the position of British Guiana, the chief obstacle is that six members did not sign the Report, but said they would forward comments to 236 the Governor. These have not been received.
§ Colonel StanleyAs soon as possible, I will lay them before the House.