§ 35. Lady Noel-Buxtonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the result of the recent Gold Coast elections and give details of how many chiefs were elected; what parties or groups were successful in the elections; and what interests are represented by the nominated members.
Mr. Creech JonesOf the 18 members, all Africans, who were returned at the Gold Coast election on 17th June, eight are chiefs. The election was not contested on party lines, and none of the 18 members was elected to represent a party or group. Of the six nominated members, three are Africans and three are Europeans. They are not chosen to represent particular interests, but two have long experience in municipal affairs, and one in the missionary field, two were chosen from the commercial and mining communities, while the sixth, who was a welfare officer in the Army, can speak for the ex-Service-men.
§ 36. Lady Noel-Buxtonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proportion of the population that was entitled to vote used its vote in the recent Gold Coast elections.
Mr. Creech JonesThe complete returns have not yet reached me. I am asking the Acting Governor to supply the information, and will communicate with my hon. Friend on receipt of his reply.