§ 42. . Sir L. Plummerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals have been made by the Government of the Fiji Islands for constitutional reform.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. John Profumo)The Government of Fiji have the question of constitutional reform under review, but 540 no proposals for change have been submitted to me.
§ Sir L. PlummerIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is growing tension in the Colony because of the hostility of native-born Fijians to native-born Indians living in the Colony, and, as the matter can become aggravated, will he not make representations to his right hon. Friend that the Governor should be called upon urgently to produce the sort of scheme which would prevent this happening?
§ Mr. ProfumoI do not think that is necessary. In the Governor's address to the Legislative Council in November last year, he said that he was carefully considering the resolution of the Council of Chiefs regarding the election of Fijian members, together with other aspects of electoral reform. My right hon. Friend still awaits specific proposals from the Governor.