Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has under active consideration political reform in Mauritius; and whether he will reconsider the rule that 15 or more persons may not assemble for the purpose of discussing political matters without the authorisation of the governor and the presence of the police to take notes, or see that it is observed not only where workers are concerned, but also in the case of the enfranchised classes in the colony?
§ Sir T. InskipWith regard to the first part of the question, there has been informal discussion on this subject between the Governor and my right hon. Friend. With regard to the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend is aware of no such rule as that referred to by the hon. Member. Under the existing law the sanction of the Colonial Governmen2258W is required before public meetings can be held to discuss any matter of general interest. The question of revising this provision is now under consideration. My right hon. Friend has no reason to believe that the law as it stands has been administered otherwise than with complete impartiality.