§ 31. Mr. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Governor of Sierra Leone has yet set up a committee to consider his predecessor's proposals for revising the Constitution; and whether a chairman has been appointed.
Mr. DugdaleNo, Sir. The introduction of the new constitution for Sierra Leone, approved by the Legislative Council and my right hon. Friend's predecessor in 1948, was deferred for further review at the request of the unofficial members. The representatives of the Colony have however renewed demands for a larger proportion of seats, which the Protectorate representatives are not prepared to concede in view of the comparative populations. In a statement to the Legislative Council, now in session, the Governor 948 has urged the unofficial members to reach agreement and has stated that if they cannot do so he can see no alternative to introducing the approved constitution forthwith. I do not wish to express a view on this last point while discussions may be proceeding locally; but my right hon. Friend most strongly supports the Governor's plea that all possible efforts to reach agreement should be made.