§ 9. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether and when he will convene a conference to consider a constitution and a date for the independence of British Guiana.
§ Mrs. WhiteMy right hon. Friend is due to arrive in British Guiana tomorrow for a short visit. He wants to see the situation there for himself, and to make personal contact with the Premier and leaders of Guianese political parties.
I would ask the hon. Member to await my right hon. Friend's return next week.
§ Mr. FisherProvided that peace between the races in British Guiana continues, would the hon. Lady agree that there is no reason now to withhold independence from British Guiana and that it would be appropriate to hold a conference, perhaps this summer, with a view to independence towards the end of this year?
§ Mrs. WhiteThese are precisely the matters which my right hon. Friend has gone to British Guiana to study for himself. I think that it would be advisable to wait until he comes back.
§ Mr. FisherWill he make a statement?
§ Mrs. WhiteCertainly.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that no independent Government which excluded the largest political party in British Guiana would for long be viable?
§ Mrs. WhiteThat, again, is something which my right hon. Friend is there to study and judge for himself.