HC Deb 24 May 1950 vol 475 cc2046-7
26. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will introduce legislation for a similar constitution in Singapore to that laid down for Trinidad and Tobago in the Trinidad and Tobago (Constitution) Order in Council,. 1950.

Mr. Dugdale

My right hon. Friend will take the opportunity, during his visit to Singapore, of discussing with official and unofficial members of the Legislative Council the constitutional machinery of the Colony.

Mr. Wyatt

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that if we are trying to bring self-government to Malaya in democratic form it is advisable to give the Chinese in Singapore as much control of their own affairs as the West Indians have in the West Indies?

Mr. Dugdale

I am sure that my right hon. Friend will bear that in mind, among other things, in his consultations.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Will the hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friend also bear in mind, when in Singapore, the particular and almost unique importance of Singapore in the Imperial defence system, and have this in mind when he arrives in other places?