46. Mrs. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Commission which is to visit British Guiana is expected to begin its work.
§ 63. Mr. Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the composition and terms of reference of the Commission which is to go to British Guiana.
§ 67. Mr. R. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will announce the composition and terms of reference of the Commission to be sent to British Guiana.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe Constitutional Commission for British Guiana will consist of: Sir James Robertson, K.C.M.G., K.B.E., late Civil Secretary of the Sudan, as Chairman, and
Sir Donald Jackson, Chief Justice of the Windward and Leeward Islands, and
Mr. George Woodcock, Assistant General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress as members. The terms of reference of the Commission will be:
In the light of the circumstances which made it necessary to suspend the Constitution of British Guiana to consider and to recommend what changes are required in it.I hope that the Commission will be able to begin its work in British Guiana early in January.
Mrs. WhiteWill the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that the people in British Guiana who are under detention without charge, or who are charged with legal offences, shall be free to give evidence to the Commission if they so wish?
§ Mr. LytteltonIn so far as it applies to their terms of reference, that is, of course, so.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIt is difficult to follow these terms of reference. Will they leave the matter in this way, that if the Commission, having inquired into all the circumstances, come to the conclusion that no basic, fundamental change is required in the Constitution, it will be at liberty to so report?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe Commission is asked to recommend what changes are required. If it finds that no changes are required, I imagine that it will say so.