§ 2.36 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF LISTOWELMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when the reports of the Select Committees on Elections appointed by the two Settlements and the States in Malaya, other than Pahang and Johore, will be completed, and whether they anticipate that elections to any State or Settlement Council will take place this year.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)My Lords, the Select Committee on Elections appointed by the Settlement Council of Penang has recently reported. The remaining reports are expected to be ready within the next two months. The State elections in Johore will probably take place in October, and the Settlement elections in Penang are likely to be held about the end of the year. It is possible that one or perhaps two other States may hold their elections before the end of the year, but this does not seem likely at present.
§ THE EARL OF LISTOWEL. My Lords, I should like to thank the noble Earl for his reply and to say how gratified people will be to hear that preparations for elections in the States and Settlements in Malaya are going forward so satisfactorily.