HC Deb 11 April 1951 vol 486 cc1012-3
40. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union at the appointment of only one representative of the people on the Executive Council, one representative on the Land and Settlement Board and one on the Electric Light Board; and whether he will increase this representation.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The Union have made representations about the composition of the Executive Council but I see no need for change in advance of the wider constitutional reform which, as I told the House on 12th December last, has been accepted and is now being worked out in detail. Any representations which the Union may make to the Governor or, through him, to me would, of course, be carefully considered subject to the overriding consideration, which they would, I am sure, accept, that the basis of appointment to these Boards must be that of securing the services of the persons best fitted to promote their efficient operation. I would add that two out of the five members of the present Electricity Board are officers of the Union.

Mr. Hynd

Is my right hon. Friend conscious of the contrast between his New Year message on this subject and conditions on the spot? Does he really regard this representation as satisfactory?

Mr. Griffiths

I presume that my hon. Friend is referring to the composition of the Executive Council. I have already made a statement about the constitutional reforms, and those changes are now being worked out.