§ 29. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to encourage the growth of political parties in Aden; and whether he will define the term "Adeni", without which definition it is difficult for political parties to organise and plan ahead.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodIn his address to the Colony Legislative Council on 15th January, 1960, the Governor said that he regarded the development of an effective party system as fundamental to the kind of Parliamentary democracy which it is hoped to attain in Aden. I associate myself with this view. The formation of political parties must, however, be a matter for public action. A definition of "Adenese" has hitherto been attempted only in relation to membership of the Aden Civil Service. In view of the difficulties then experienced, I am not sure that it would be wise at present to introduce the term into any statement of franchise qualifications.
§ Mr. WallDoes my right hon. Friend recognise that there are two difficulties facing political parties in Aden, one being the widespread immigration from the Yemen and the other being the failure to define this term? One may not be able to do much about the former, but will he look again at the latter?
§ Mr. MacleodI will certainly look at the latter. In my main Answer, I gave my doubts about the matter, but I am quite content to look at it again.