HC Deb 05 May 1959 vol 605 cc204-5
11. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the date for the next elections for the Legislative Council of Zanzibar Protectorate; and whether it is his intention to begin talks with the various political parties and organisations concerned with the object of issuing a White Paper upon the next stage of constitutional advance.

Mr. J. Amery

The next elections for the Zanzibar Legislative Council will be held about the middle of 1960. The British Resident announced on 16th April with the approval of His Highness the Sultan and my right hon. Friend certain constitutional changes. These include the appointment of two more representative members to Executive Council, an increase in the number of constituencies—and a consequent increase in the number of elected members in Legislative Council—and reductions in the age qualifications for electors. I am circulating full details of these changes in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Johnson

While we welcome this advance, may I ask whether the Minister would agree that it has been essentially a Government of the civil service in Zanzibar, that Zanzibar is a harmonious society and community, and that the people will welcome this step forward? Does he contemplate giving the vote to women in Zanzibar, because there is much feeling about that question?

Mr. Amery

At the moment there is a committee considering the whole question of the status of women in Zanzibar.

Following is the information: The following constitutional changes were announced by the British Resident on 16th April:

  1. 1 An increase in the number of representative members on the Executive Council from three to five, and the intention that at least two should be elected representative members of the Legislative Council. One of the new members will represent the interests of Pemba.
  2. 2 An increase in the number of constituencies from six to eight making five constituencies in Zanzibar and three in Pemba. This will raise the number of representative members to he elected to Legislative Council from six to eight, and the number of appointed representative members will be reduced from six to four.
  3. 3 A reduction in the minimum age qualification for electors from 25 years to 21 years.
  4. 4 A reduction in the minimum age for exemption from the literacy qualification from 40 years to 30 years.
  5. 5 The appointment of a committee to consider the question of the extension of the franchise to women.

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