HC Deb 29 April 1952 vol 499 cc79-80W
Mr. Braine

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about constitutional changes in Jamaica.

Mr. Lyttelton

Yes. I have sent the following message to the Governor of Jamaica.

I have considered the reports which you have made to me on constitutional questions in Jamaica following your discussions with representatives of the two political parties and with the unofficial members of the Legislative Council.

I understand that there is general agreement amongst those whom you have consulted that changes should be made where the working of the existing Constitution has shown that they are most needed, namely, in the Executive.

I welcome the proposal to relieve the pressure of work in the Executive Council by the establishment of separate Ministries and the allotment of executive functions to Ministers.

I also welcome the proposal that the number of Members of the House of Representatives on the Executive Council should be increased so that they form a majority of the Council. If this change is made, it will be necessary to delete from the Constitution the provision which requires the Governor to obtain the agreement of the Executive Council before using his reserve power.

I agree in principle with the proposal that the appointment of Members of the House to the Executive Council, and their removal, should be undertaken by the Governor on the recommendation of the leader of the majority party.

You have requested, and I agree, that a period should be allotted to provide an opportunity for public discussion of these proposals. I look forward to receiving thereafter your detailed proposals so that I may decide as soon as possible what changes in the constitutional instruments I should advise Her Majesty to make.