§ 7. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being actively taken by the nominated Legislative Council of British Guiana to bring this territory within the proposed West Indies Federation.
§ Mr. HopkinsonThe Council passed a Resolution expressing the opinion that British Guiana should join the Federation. The Resolution also asked the Governor to keep British Guiana in close touch with the action being taken to set up the Federation and to ascertain the state of public opinion in British Guiana towards participation in Federation. My right hon. Friend is considering, in consultation with the Officer Administering the Government, what steps should be taken on the last two parts of the Resolution.
§ Mr. JonesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Legislative Council is a completely nominated body, that some of its members were defeated at the polls and others have never tested the electorate? Why, therefore, is this Council, however desirable the objective might be, attempting to bring British Guiana into the West Indies Federation without first consulting the people of British Guiana?
§ Mr. HopkinsonIt is precisely on that point, on the question of ascertaining public opinion on this subject, that we are at the moment considering the Acting Governor's recommendations. Certainly we want to go into the question whether it would be possible for British Guiana to join the Federation before the restoration of representative Government in the Colony.
§ Mr. MarquandWhile the right hon. Gentleman is considering ways of ascertaining public opinion in British Guiana, is he considering the desirability now of abolishing the ban on public meetings so that public opinion can be expressed?
§ Mr. HopkinsonThat is a different question.
§ Mr. GowerDoes my right hon. Friend consider that the fact that the British islands in the Caribbean combined with British Guiana to form what is called a West Indies cricket team is a good augury?