HC Deb 27 July 1955 vol 544 c1156
6. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the elections are to be held in Trinidad in 1955, as provided for by the 1950 Constitution.

Mr. Hopkinson

My right hon. Friend hopes shortly to authorise the Governor of Trinidad to make an announcement about this matter.

Mr. Jones

Will the right hon. Gentleman, therefore, assure us that there is no truth in the suggestion which has been circulated in this Colony that in fact elections are to be suspended?

Mr. Hopkinson

I should prefer not to say anything more on this matter at present, but I must remind the hon. Gentleman that there have been discussions in the Legislative Council on this question, as a result of which a Resolution calling for an extension of the life of the present Legislative Council was passed, so that the matter certainly has been discussed. As we hope to be able to make an announcement very soon, I prefer not to say any more now.

Mr. Jones

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is precisely the danger, that because the existing Legislative Council wants to continue the life of the Administration in the Colony there is a danger that the elections will be held up?