HC Deb 05 November 1947 vol 443 cc1823-4
37. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proportion of those qualified to vote under the Freetown Municipal Ordinance have so far registered; what steps have been taken by the Sierra Leone Government to secure the co-operation of the electorate in this respect; and whether the Ordinance will be amended in view of popular criticism.

Mr. Rees-Williams

Valid registrations are estimated to be roughly one-tenth of the qualified electorate the exact number of which is not known. Official statements, were issued to explain the objects of the Ordinance and to correct misrepresentations about them. The operation of the Ordinance for the present has been temporarily suspended and the Acting Governor is considering, in consultation with my right hon. Friend what steps can be taken to meet those objections to it which are of major substance.

Mr. Sorensen

Meanwhile, can the hon. Gentleman say what was the reason for this failure to register on the part of such a marked proportion?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I assume that they did not like the Ordinance.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

Is it not a fact that in other places—I remember particularly Kumasi—there has been at the beginning considerable reluctance to register?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I believe the right hon. Gentleman knows the long history of this particular matter, part of which occurred in his time in office. There has been considerable difficulty in this place over this Ordinance. We are hoping, as a result of the consultations which are now taking place, that the difficulties will be removed.

Mr. Dumpleton

Is my hon. Friend aware that this dispute has been going on now for a very long time, and have any recent steps been taken to secure the cooperation of the local people; further, is he aware that one of the objections to the Ordinance is that the right of veto on the appointment of ministerial officials is reserved to the Government and if they could give way on that it might secure agreement?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I am well aware of the difficulties which have arisen. One of them is the point mentioned by my hon. Friend. We are hoping that all these things will be threshed out and that we will come to an agreement upon them. On our side, we are prepared to be reasonable and we hope that the other people will be also.