§ 29. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make the necessary arrangements for the Legislative Assembly in the Bahamas to be dissolved at the earliest possible moment to enable the proposed changes in the constitution to come into operation as soon as possible, and for the new elections to take place on the basis of the revised constitution.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo, Sir; a General Election as soon as effect has been given to the changes in the franchise was not part of my proposals. There will, however, be by-elections to fill the four new seats in New Providence.
The dissolution of the House is a matter for the Governor's discretion.
§ Mr. JonesDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think, having regard to the fact that this Legislative Council can remain in office until 1963, that it makes nonsense of his proposed changes; and that, in fact, if his intentions are sound, he should make arrangements to dissolve the Assembly as soon as possible, elect a new one on the new franchise, with the new constituencies, and let the new Assembly decide the labour ordinances?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo, Sir.