Mr. POINTERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if in Jamaica it has been declared by the Chief Justice that permanent residence in a particular parish is a necessary condition to membership of the Jamaica Legislature, or alternatively the receipt of an annual income of £150 from land; if so, whether the power to so decide is contained in an Order in; Council, and, if so, of what date; and whether he will consider the advisability of abolishing such a restriction as to. residence in a particular parish?
Mr. HARCOURTSection 10 of the Order in Council of the 3rd October, 1895, provides that "no person shall be capable of being elected a member of the Legislative Council of Jamaica for any electoral district; or, having been elected, shall sit or vote in the Council unless he either has resided in that electoral district for twelve months immediately preceding the day of election, or possesses a clear annual income of £150 arising from lands in that district belonging to him in his own right or the right of his wife." I see no reason for a change in the provisions of the Order in Council, nor have I any ground for believing that it is desired.