§ 29. Major Wilkesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will report on the reactions of the West Indian Legislatures to the proposals for West Indian federation.
§ Mr. George HallI have so far only received reports of the Debates in the Legislatures of three of the Colonies concerned on this subject. In the Bahamas the Legislature was of the unanimous opinion that the Colony should not, at present, participate in any proposed federation. The Legislative Council of British Honduras have passed a resolution stating that they would view with favour the consideration of any measure for the political federation of British Honduras with the British West Indies Colonies, subject to 2001 certain conditions. The Trinidad Legislative Council have passed a resolution in favour of the aim of federation and have recommended that the Council should appoint a Committee to consider the immediate steps to be taken to stimulate the movement of West Indian affairs in the direction of federation.
§ Major WilkesIn order to prevent this being put off, would the Minister consider making a time limit by which Legislatures should definitely give their opinions on this vitally important matter for the whole of the West Indies?
§ Mr. HallIt is difficult to make a time limit; it must be left to the Legislative Councils on the spot.