§ 29. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the complaints made by the Aden Trade 610 Union Congress and other representative organisations and persons regarding the constitution of the Aden Legislative Council and the Amirates Federation in the Protectorates, he will appoint a commission of inquiry to report upon the necessary changes.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Hugh Fraser)No, Sir. I am sure that the matter can best be considered in the informal constitutional talks which are proceeding in Aden under the Governor's chairmanship.
§ Mr. BrockwayDoes not the hon. Member recognise what a very critical area Aden is, and the need to identify the Administration with the people? Is he aware that in the election for the Legislative Council 76 per cent. of the voters boycotted the election, under the leadership of the Trades Union Council? Is he further aware that the negotiations on federation took place only with the sultans, emirs and sheiks, and not with the representatives of the people? Does not he think that it would be desirable to send out a commission of inquiry to establish an Administration on the basis of the will of the people, and of self-determination?
§ Mr. FraserNo, Sir. Inevitably there are penalties for boycotting elections, and we must deal with the facts as they are. But I can give the hon. Member the assurance which was given by the Colonial Secretary in Aden, namely, that when these proposals emerge there will be a full opportunity for their consideration by the Legislative Council and other bodies in Aden.