Constitution (Hansard, 17 April 1958)

HC Deb 17 April 1958 vol 586 cc343-5 343

§ 39. Mr. Fisher
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement with regard to the constitution of the Bahamas.

§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)
The House will recall the events in the Bahamas leading up to the general strike last January. Both the Governor and I have been much concerned at the position there, and after consultation with him I decided to visit the Colony. After a week in which I saw as many people and as much of the Colony as I could in the time, the Governor and I decided that the situation called for a number of measures. These were set out in the statement which I made on my departure and which I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am glad to say that at any rate the first indications suggest that they have been very widely welcomed in the Colony.

§ Mr. Fisher
Is my right hon. Friend aware that his journey, which was certainly necessary, and the results which he has achieved, are very warmly welcomed by his hon. Friends on this side of the House—and, I imagine, by hon. Gentlemen opposite—and that they will be entirely beneficial to the future wellbeing and happiness of the Colony?

§ Mr. David Jones
Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his proposals include the abolition of the unequal size of constituencies in the Bahamas, and that in future members of the Legislative Council will each represent an equal number of people?

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
No, Sir. That would, I think, be quite impossible. The out-islands must have some representation, and it would be impossible to settle this problem mathematically. The out-islands are likely to develop in population as expansion continues. What was arranged was that there should be four new seats straight away in New Providence.

344

§ Following is the statement:

§ I am very grateful for the many kindnesses shown me while I have been here. I hope that this may be the first of many visits to these beautiful islands. I have been much impressed by the recent widespread development which has brought so much prosperity and employment to the people of the Bahamas. All who have worked so hard to secure this deserve the greatest credit. It is vital to the future of the Colony that this development should not be prejudiced. But great developments bring great problems and responsibilities, calling for adjustments to meet modern conditions.

§ Both the Governor and I have been much concerned at recent happenings in the Bahamas, as have of course all who live here. For some time it had been apparent to both of us that changes, particularly in the field of labour relations and the franchise, were necessary and we had been in correspondence about these, The Governor would some time ago have sought the concurrence of Executive Council to the initiation of changes in these fields. Since, however, I have constitutional responsibilities and a wider choice of action open to me, I decided to come here and asked the Governor to refrain from action pending my visit.

§ Since I came here I have seen a large number of people and as much of the Colony as possible in the time available.

§ His Excellency and I have concluded that the following immediate steps should be taken:

(1) The most pressing need is for the early enactment of labour legislation consistent with the needs of the Bahamas and in a form which commends itself to modern opinion. This should provide for the early establishment of a Labour Department under an experienced officer appointed by the Governor to the Public Service in the usual way. Consultations are now taking place concerning the form of this legislation, and to assist in these Mr. Foggon, my chief Labour Adviser, will arrive in the Colony this week.
(2) Another essential change concerns the franchise.

(a) There should be universal adult male suffrage. Representations have been made to me about votes for women. The Governor and I are however not convinced that at the moment there is a sufficiently widespread demand for this change.
(b) The company vote should be abolished.
(c) The present situation under which it is possible for one voter to have a vote in every constituency should be brought to an end. The plural vote should be limited to two, the second vote requiring a property qualification in another constituency.

(3) The constituencies should be brought more into line with the movement of population within the Colony. This should be done by creating four additional seats for New Providence, to be allocated in accordance 345 with the distribution of voters. By-elections to these four seats should be held as soon as the necessary arrangements, including the preparation of a new register of voters, can be made.

§ Legislation to bring about these changes needs to be brought into effect by the end of this year.

§ In the discussions which the Governor and I have had, various views were naturally expressed, but in consequence of these talks His Excellency and I feel entitled to believe that these measures are likely to command widespread support, and will help to bring about that settled atmosphere which is essential for economic progress.