HC Deb 12 May 1948 vol 450 cc2115-6
41. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take as a result of the Report of the Joint Committee of the Legislative Council and House of Assembly in Bermuda, which recommends a limited extension of the franchise on the basis of ownership of real estate, the maintenance of local trade union legislation in its present form, and the maintenance of separate schools for white and coloured children; and, in particular, if he will take steps to repair the omission from this report of recommendations for the introduction of Income Tax, the opening of the public services to coloured candidates, and the provision of free elementary education.

Mr. Rees-Williams

The Report of the Joint Committee is at present under consideration by the Bermuda Legislature by whom the Committee was appointed. As stated in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for East Harrow (Mr. Skinnard) on 28th January, my right hon. Friend will give this matter early consideration as soon as the proceedings of the Legislature are complete and he has received the Governor's comments.

Mr. Driberg

Is my hon. Friend aware that this matter was discussed in the Bermuda House of Assembly last week, and that, on the whole, approval seems to have been given to this Report? In view of the gravely inadequate and backward nature of the Report, will the Government consider acceding to the original request, which was for a Royal Commission?

Mr. Rees-Williams

My hon. Friend talks of the House of Assembly. However, the Legislative Council, so far as I know, have not yet finally considered; the matter, and we are waiting for their report as well as the Report of the House of Assembly. I think I should point out that the House of Assembly, by 15 votes to five, agreed to provisions for free elementary education.

Commander Noble

Could the hon. Gentleman give us some idea of the value of the real estate required by this extension, in relation to the general value of property in Bermuda? Is it not the fact that the public services are open to both white and black people?

Mr. Rees-Williams

Those are other questions.