§ 4. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if she will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the wish of Barbados for independence separately from the recently announced plan for the West Indies.
§ 12. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if she will make a statement regarding future independence for Barbados.
§ Mrs. WhiteA request from the Barbados Government for a conference to discuss the question of independence 1262 for Barbados was received on 27th January. We propose to agree to this request and to arrange a conference at a mutually convenient time.
§ Mr. HughesDoes my hon. Friend agree that this new development in our British community of nations should be considered in the light of the most democratic principles, and will she see that that idea is implemented?
§ Mrs. WhiteThat, of course, would be the object of the conference.
§ Mr. JohnsonWill my hon. Friend give the House the pledge before the conference that elections will be held in the islands before independence is finally given? Is she aware that West Indian politicians, particularly the gentlemen now in Bridgetown, are not squeamish about their methods of dealing with the opposition?
§ Mrs. WhiteOf course, it is the desire of Her Majesty's Government that before independence is agreed we should have an assurance that the majority of the people in any territory desire that independence.