HC Deb 04 February 1953 vol 510 cc1839-40
35. Mr. E. Wakefield

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs during what period of the year it is, for climatic or other reasons, impracticable to hold elections in the sudan.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I understand that between May and October it would be impracticable to hold elections in the Sudan. The best time of the year—November and December—is already past, but if arrangements can be put in train very soon it is still possible to have elections before the rains. We are, therefore, most anxious to get on with them as soon as possible.

Mr. Wakefield

Does my right hon. Friend agree that unless elections are held it will be impracticable to ascertain what representative Sudanese opinion really is in regard to pending constitutional issues?

Mr. Lloyd

I certainly agree that it is desirable to have these elections as soon as possible.