§ 1. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now announce the date of an independence conference for British Guiana.
§ 12. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he expects to make further progress towards independence for British Guiana.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Anthony Greenwood)It is the intention of the British Government to hold a conference as early as practicable to discuss, among other things, a programme for independence. Meanwhile we shall be waiting anxiously for the result of the investigation into racial imbalance which the Premier of British Guiana is taking steps to mount.
§ Mr. FisherWould the right hon. Gentleman agree that British Guiana is now enjoying fair and firm government and racial peace for the first time for 814 many years? Will he convene a conference this autumn to fix a date for independence early next year?
§ Mr. GreenwoodBritish Guiana is certainly making very satisfactory progress at present. That is something about which all of us must be very glad indeed, but I would prefer not to commit myself to a precise date for a conference at the moment. There is a good deal of ground to be cleared and we had better see how things develop.
§ Mr. ChapmanIs not there a danger in an early conference on independence that it might break down again on the issue of an electoral system? Would not such a breakdown be worse than not having a conference at all? Therefore, would not we be well advised to go slowly and firmly forward, trying to clear the ground on this aspect before we have any conference?
§ Mr. GreenwoodI want to do everything possible in the meantime to ensure that the conference is a success, and I hope that it will not be unduly delayed.