§ The following Questions stood upon the Order Paper:
§ 55. Captain KERBY: To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the situation in British Honduras.
§ 76. Mr. ROYLE: To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the position in British Honduras, following the elections of 28th April last.
§ At the end of Questions—
§ Mr. LytteltonWith permission I should like to answer Questions Nos. 55 and 76.
The elections in British Honduras have resulted in the People's United Party winning eight out of nine seats. They polled 64 per cent. of the votes cast, which averaged just over 70 per cent. of the electorate. Since the election results became known, I have been in consultation with the Governor. The P.U.P. leaders have given him an assurance that they are prepared to co-operate fully in an endeavour to work the Constitution in a spirit of loyalty and good will. They are prepared to take the oath of allegiance freely and without reservation.
Her Majesty's Government have therefore decided that the P.U.P. should be given an opportunity to show that they are ready and able to shoulder the responsibilities entrusted to them by the electorate. Accordingly the plans for the reconstitution of the Governor's Executive Council will go ahead. The new Executive Council will consist of three ex-officio members, two nominated members, and four elected members. The 406 Governor and his officers are, of course, ready to co-operate with the elected members and to offer them all assistance, within the framework of the Constitution.
I have asked the Governor to invite representatives of the unofficial members of the Executive Council to visit London later in the year for talks on the development and progress of the Colony. The P.U.P. leaders have accepted the invitation. Her Majesty's Government hope that all parties will now work together in the interest of the country's development.
§ Mr. RoyleMay I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on that statement, which must give great satisfaction not only to this House but to the whole population of British Honduras? Might I express a hope that we shall, by this course, avoid repetition of the position which took place in British Guiana?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe hon. Member drags in British Guiana. May I remind him that that was after four or five months of the experiment. I hope that this experiment will result more successfully
§ Mr. J. GriffithsWill the right hon. Gentleman convey to the People's United Party of British Honduras that we are very glad that they have accepted this position, that there is now what we hope will be an opportunity for the development of government in British Honduras, and that we shall all look forward to meeting the representatives of the party when they reach this country in August?
§ Mr. PeytonIs my right hon. Friend aware that his own most generous and most patient attitude in this matter will be very widely appreciated? Is he further aware that the promises now made by the leaders of this party will be watched with the utmost concern—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]—to see that the present favourable atmosphere is fully maintained?