§ 12. Mr. Prittasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many public meetings were held by the electoral committee appointed by the governor of Singapore in April last to deal with the procedure for election of unofficial members of the Singapore Legislative Council; and what steps he will take to ensure that before effect is given to any of its recommendations all sections of opinion in the colony and, in particular, the political parties and trade unions will be consulted.
Mr. Creech JonesOn 24th of April, 1946, the Committee to which my hon. Friend refers announced that they wished to consult public opinion to the fullest extent possible, and that they would welcome any views or suggestions which any persons or bodies of persons in the Colony might have to make. Representations were to be submitted in writing before 31st May. Full publicity was given to this announcement in the local Press, and ample opportunity was thus given to all sections of opinion including political parties and trade unions, to express their views. The Committee's meetings were not public, but a representative of the Malayan Democratic Union attended one of the meetings and discussed with the Committee the memorandum which the Union had submitted.
Mr. Creech JonesYes, Sir. These were not public meetings. A committee sitting in private received the recommendations.