HC Deb 08 December 1948 vol 459 cc372-4
21. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies from what date and for what reasons Mr. Collet has been appointed a nominated unofficial member of the Legislative Council of the Seychelles.

Mr. Rees-Williams

By virtue of the discretion bestowed on him by Section 7 (1) of the Seychelles (Legislative Council) Order-in-Council, 1948, the Governor has appointed Mr. Collet, with effect from 29th November, 1948, to represent the interests of those sections of the community which would not otherwise be represented in the Council.

Mr. Gammans

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this man Collet was convicted of contempt of court, and that the Secretary of State gave me a categorical assurance on this matter on 22nd September that, "It is not my intention to offer Mr. Collet any official post in the administration of the Seychelles." Now he has made this man a Legislative Councillor.

Mr. Rees-Williams

There are several misstatements in that supplementary question. First of all, so far as I am aware, this man was not convicted of contempt of court, although the Chief Justice thought he had been guilty of contempt of court. Secondly, he has not been appointed to any official position; he has been appointed as an unofficial member of the Council. [Laughter.] I admit all these misstatements about a simple question are very amusing. The third misstatement of the hon. Member is this: the matter has nothing to do with my right hon. Friend, but is entirely in the discretion of the Governor.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

May I ask the hon. Gentleman who are the classes of people this man is supposed to represent and what are his qualifications for representing them?

Mr. Rees-Williams

The classes of people are the under-privileged and this man, having been brought up as a member of the under-privileged classes, can well represent them.

Mr. H. D. Hughes

Is my hon. Friend aware that Mr. Collet has played an important part in remedying grave social abuses in the Seychelles and that his appointment will be welcomed by the Colony?

Mr. Gammans

Is it not a fact that the Secretary of State for the Colonies has to approve the appointment of this man on the Legislative Council? If that is so, how can he try to get out of it by suggesting that this appointment is not a direct contravention of the pledge given to me in writing on 22nd September?

Mr. Rees-Williams

It is not a fact. This appointment needs no approval from my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Keeling

Does the Under-Secretary assert that an unofficial member of a Colonial council is not in an official position?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I do so assert. That is the point of his being unofficial.