HC Deb 22 April 1953 vol 514 c1165
43. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the population of Kuala Lumpur; the number of people paying rates in the town; the number on the electoral roll; and the percentage of the town council elected by ballot vote.

Mr. Lyttelton

At the last census, in 1947, the population of Kuala Lumpur was 175,961. Two-thirds of the municipal council are elected members. I am asking the High Commissioner for the other information and will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Awbery

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information about the number on the electoral roll, and can he say whether any steps are being taken to enlarge the list and widen the qualifications for election?

Mr. Lyttelton

The franchise extends to anyone of 21 or over who is a subject of the Sultan of Selangor, a Federal citizen or a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies born in Malaya, provided that he has lived in the Federation for at lease three years, of which one of the two immediately preceding years should have been spent in the municipality. The franchise is not confined to ratepayers.

Mr. Popplewell

Can the right hon. Gentleman say exactly how the franchise has been made up and what activities have taken place to ensure that all people entitled to be on the electoral roll are recorded on the roll?

Mr. Lyttelton

I think the hon. Member will have to put that question on the paper. I have given a full account of how the franchise is exercised.