§ 36. Mr. Baldwinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, having regard to the obligations imposed upon a Governor by Colonial Regulations, the Governor of the Seychelles declined to forward a telegram addressed to the Secretary of State by the Seychelles Taxpayers' and Landowners' Association on 1st October; and why no notification was made to the Association that it had not been despatched until 10 days had elapsed.
Mr. Creech JonesI have received a report from the Governor on this matter, from which it is clear that at no time did he ignore his obligation under the Colonial Regulations, which is, to forward the communication, accompanied by his report, with all reasonable despatch. Normally representations are made to the Governor in the first instance before a communication is addressed to the Secretary of State. In the present case no such representations had been made, and the Governor, no doubt, desired an opportunity to consider the points raised before transmitting the telegram, with his report. to the Secretary of State.
§ Mr. BaldwinIs the Minister aware that this body of people wanted to get their message to their representatives in London quickly, and that as a result of the way in which the matter was handled the message did not arrive in time? Does he not think that this is in keeping with the rather arbitrary method which is being adopted in the Seychelles at present?
Mr. Creech JonesThis was a question of Income Tax payments on which there have been considerable arrears. The effort of the Governor was to get some of these arrears brought in. I can see nothing that the Governor did which is Irregular.