§ 38. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will take steps to increase the number of elected representatives on the Federal Legislative Council of Malaya.
Mr. DugdaleThere are at present no elected representatives on the Federal Legislative Council. It is hoped to make a start with elections to municipal councils next year, and thereafter to the Councils of those States and Settlements which are ready for them. Legislation for Federal elections will, in accordance with the terms of the Federation Agreement, be introduced as soon as circumstances permit.
§ Mr. AwberyIs my right hon. Friend aware that the best way to create confidence in Malaya is not to preach democracy to the people there, but to practice it by allowing them to elect their own legislative committees?
Mr. DugdaleI have stated that we are already taking steps to introduce a system of elected representatives locally. No doubt it may be possible to do this later on a federal scale as well.
§ Mr. A. Fenner BrockwayCan my right hon. Friend say whether there have been consultations with the liaison committee in Malaya on this matter, and whether that committee has endorsed proposals for a coming election?