§ 40. Mr. Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on constitutional progress in British Guiana.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the Question by the hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Allaun), on 25th April.
Miss LeeHas the Minister had any reactions from the main political parties and leaders in British Guiana whether they are willing to co-operate in the elections? Will he once again try to put the various parties on an equal footing by stopping the restrictions on certain of them?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI can only repeat what I said previously. No considerations of a political kind enter into whether or not detention orders or restriction orders are made. Judgment is solely on the individual and the danger which that individual might or might not provide to security. It is a little early as yet to say anything about the general reactions. I am not anxious in any way unduly to hurry what must be at best a very bold experiment.
§ Mr. BraineWill my right hon. Friend confirm that since the raising of the ban on the holding of meetings there has been no disturbance of any kind? Is he aware that there is general approval on all sides 388 of the House of this step-by-step return to normalcy?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI think that is indeed so.