§ 33. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what recent demands have been received by the Bermuda Government from representative bodies in Bermuda for an extension of the franchise; and what proposals he has in mind for constitutional reform.
§ Mr. ProfumoNo recent demands have been received by the Bermuda Government from representative bodies for an extension of the franchise, and no proposals for constitutional changes in Bermuda are before me at the present time.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs it not a fact that a petition has been lodged by the Bermuda Labour Party in favour of universal adult suffrage? Does not the Minister think that the time has come for some adjustment in the franchise in a democratic direction in the Islands of Bermuda?
§ Mr. ProfumoI am aware of a petition by Mr. W. G. Brown. The petition was presented to the Legislative Council on 6th April but it has not been considered by that body. No copy of the petition has been presented to the House of Assembly. This lack of interest by the Legislature no doubt results from the fact that although Mr. Brown has signed the petition as chairman of the Bermuda Labour Party, no such party appears to exist.