31. Mrs. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the legislation concerning emergency powers recently introduced in the Bahamas.
§ 44. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that recently a Bill was introduced into the Bahamas Legislative Council which, if passed, will give almost unlimited power to the Governor to rule by order and regulation; if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government that such powers should be given; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIn practically all Colonial Territories the Governor has power, under either United Kingdom instruments or local legislation, to declare a state of emergency and to make emergency Regulations. There are at present no such powers in the Bahamas, and the Bill recently introduced into the Bahamas Legislature is designed to give the Governor the necessary powers. These would be exercised by the Governor only in time of emergency.
Mrs. WhiteIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the timing of this legislation is regarded as peculiarly provocative, coming as it does immediately after the peaceful settlement of a dispute? Will he tell us whether this action was taken on the initiative of the Governor and why it is needed now, when, for instance, after a much worse disturbance in 1942 when the Duke of Windsor was Governor, no such powers were apparently required?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThis is a wise move, and I have no indication that it is being resented.
§ Mr. D. JonesDoes the right hon. Gentleman believe, when the strike was settled as amicably as he indicated in answer to a previous Question, that the new machinery will have a reasonable chance of working in these islands when this kind of legislation is being introduced to give the Governor unlimited power at the Governor's discretion?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes, Sir, I do.