§ 2.40 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF LUCANMy 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 whether they have any statement to make on the situation in British Honduras in the light of the results of the recent Election.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)My Lords, the Elections in British Honduras have resulted in the People's United Party winning eight out of nine seats. They polled 64 per cent. of the votes cast, which averaged just over 70 per cent. of the electorate. Since the Election results became known, my right honourable friend has been in consultation with the Governor. The People's United Party leaders have given the Governor an assurance that they are prepared to co-operate fully in an endeavour to work the Constitution in a spirit of loyalty and good will. They are prepared to take the oath of allegiance freely and without reservation. Her Majesty's Government have therefore decided that the People's United Party should be given an opportunity to show that they are ready and able to shoulder the responsibilities entrusted to them by the electorate. Accordingly, the plans for the reconstitution of the Governor's Executive Council will go ahead.
The new Executive Council will consist of three ex-officio members, two nominated members, and four elected members. The Governor and his officers are of course ready to co-operate with the elected members and to offer them all assistance within the framework of the Constitution. My right honourable friend has asked the Governor to invite representatives of the unofficial members of the Executive Council to visit London later in the year for talks on the development and progress of the Colony. The leaders of the P.U.P. have accepted the invitation. Her Majesty's Government hope that all parties will 942 now work together in the interest of the country's development.
§ THE EARL OF LISTOWELMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Earl for his extremely satisfactory statement, and to ask him whether he does not agree that what has happened in British Honduras since the General Election there is largely due to the intelligence and tact with which the Governor, Mr. Patrick Renison, has handled an extremely delicate and difficult situation.
§ THE EARL OF MUNSTERYes, my Lords; I would wholeheartedly agree with that observation.