§ 11. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to provide for constitutional reform in St. Helena; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. H. FraserThe Governor has made it clear to the parties concerned that my right hon Friend is prepared to arrange for the present nominated Advisory Council to be replaced by one consisting of eight elected, two nominated official and four nominated unofficial members if these proposals are generally acceptable.
§ Mr. HughesIs it not the case that these proposals have been in the Colonial Office for some considerable time but have not yet been implemented? Can he give some indication of the cause of the delay, and the substance of any objections that have been made?
§ Mr. FraserI think that it is a question of consulting. As the hon. Gentleman knows, St. Helena is a small place, and it is a question of personalities trying to work out the problems that arise. I have every confidence that, with the help of the hon. Gentleman and others interested in St. Helena, these differences of opinion will be resolved, and the Constitution will go forward.
§ Mr. HughesHow long does the hon. Gentleman think it will be before these proposals are put into effect?
§ Mr. FraserIt entirely depends on whether we can reach agreement. If we cannot reach agreement, things will have to stay as they are at the moment.