§ 26. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in view of the fact that government has almost been brought to a standstill in Eastern Nigeria, if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LytteltonI am advised that the Eastern Regional Executive Council remains properly constituted in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria (Constitution) Order in Council. Government therefore continues in the region, but the work of its Legislature has been interrupted because of tactics adopted by the majority party in the House. The Lieutenant-Governor has all the powers necessary for essential legislation to be enacted and on 28th February exercised them to give effect to the Eastern Region Appropriation Bill.
§ Mr. Fenner BrockwayIs it the case that in the Legislative Council the members, by an overwhelming majority, have declared no confidence in the Government? If that is the case, is not it desirable that a democratic Government in the confidence of the Legislative Council should replace them?
§ Mr. LytteltonNo. Sir. Under the Constitution—a provision which was carefully thought out by my predecessor and by the Government of the day—dismissal of Ministers by this process is subject to secret ballot, and the voting on the occasion to which the hon. Member refers was not by secret ballot.
§ Mr. Fenner BrockwayCould there be a secret ballot?
Mrs. WhiteIs the Minister aware that most hon. Members support the principle of a secret ballot to avoid intimidation of Ministers?
§ Mr. LytteltonI am sorry the hon. Lady is in sharp disagreement with her party on this matter.