§ 33 and 34. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he is aware that a candidate for election to the Legislative Council of British Guiana must have an annual income of £250 or possess property value £208 in order to be eligible for nomination; and what steps he proposes to take to abolish these qualifications;
(2) if he is aware that a voter in the election of the Legislative Council of British Guiana must be literate and possess three acres of land or property of £31 5s. in value, or pay £10 rent, or Income Tax of £4 3s. 4d., or have an income of £25 per year; and what steps he proposes to take to make the franchise more democratic.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsAs the Governor has announced, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has agreed to appoint a special Commission to visit British Guiana next year to make recommendations on the franchise, the composition of the Legislative Council, and related matters.
§ Mr. C. S. TaylorDoes the hon. Gentleman think it would be better if the electors were illiterate?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI am afraid the point of that question escapes me.
§ Mr. WyattCould the Under-Secretary say whether there is any information in the possession of the Colonial Office to show that those people who own property vote more intelligently than those people who do not?
§ Mr. GallacherLook at the other side: that should show.