§ 76. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the implementation of the Brunei Five-Year Development Plan; what proposals for a revised constitution or for Federation are now being considered; and what political parties have been registered in this territory.
§ Mr. ProfumoSatisfactory progress is being made in carrying out the five-year development plan. Individual schemes estimated to cost 94.3 million dollars have been approved and a total of 66.5 million dollars will have been spent by the end of 1957.
As regards the second part of the Question the Sultan of Brunei has announced his intention to broaden the basis of his Government by the inclusion of unofficial members in the State Council. Proposals for a written constitution to give effect to this intention are under consideration. No proposals for federation are under consideration at the present time.
One political party, the "Party Ra'ayat", has been registered under the Societies Enactment.
§ Mr. SorensenMay I ask the hon. Member whether any other parties have applied and have not been registered, precisely what registration means and on what basis these parties can register?
§ Mr. ProfumoIf the hon. Member would like more details, I should prefer to see the Questions on the Order Paper.