§ 26. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the extension of enfranchisement to women will come into operation in the Bahamas.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Reginald Maudling)On 30th June, 1962.
§ Mr. BrockwayIs it possible for the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the fact that he is still responsible for the Government of this Colony, to advance the date? There may be by-elections before the General Election which is expected that year. Is it not an outrage that we should still have this discrimination between men and women in the franchise in any Colony?
§ Mr. MaudlingThe original proposal was that it should come into force on 1st January, 1963, but as there is to be a General Election in the spring of 1963 we brought it forward to June, 1962, which should take care of the difficulty.