HC Deb 09 February 1965 vol 706 cc186-7
8. Mr. Robert Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a statement on the result of his talks with the Sultan of Brunei.

Mr. Bottomley

My talks with the Sultan of Brunei in November and December, 1964, were primarily concerned with constitutional developments in Brunei. We agreed on the detailed arrangements for holding the elections for the Legislative Council on 20th March, 1965, as well as the outline plan for the introduction of a ministerial system of Government immediately after these elections. I agreed with the Sultan that our joint intention is for Brunei to proceed progressively towards full parliamentary democracy.

Our officials were also able to hold useful discussions about aspects of administration of the State, Brunei's defence and the recruitment of qualified staff for a number of vacancies in Brunei for which Bruneis may not be available in the immediate future.

With permission, I shall circulate a copy of the joint communiqué issued at the conclusion of the talks.

Mr. Edwards

I thank my right hon. Friend for that very satisfactory reply, but I am sure that he would agree that elections are not the end of democracy but just the beginning—[Interruption.]—though fundamental to it, as I am glad hon. Members opposite agree. Has my right hon. Friend any further plans for democratic constitutional progress following the March elections?

Mr. Bottomley

I agreed with the Sultan that we should have further consultations after the election to consider how best to make further progress in constitutional advance as contemplated in the proposals issued by the Government of Brunei in August of last year. The August, 1964, proposals contemplated an increase, at a later stage, in the elected membership of the Legislative Council from 10 to 20 by a reduction of the ex officio officers and the elimination of nominated membership. They also contemplated the further development of the Ministerial system with the aim of Brunei achieving the stage where the formulating and carrying out of Government policy will be the responsibility of Ministers chosen from amongst the elected members.

Following is the joint communiqué.

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