HC Deb 06 August 1941 vol 373 cc1965-6W
Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether a statement can be made on the subject of proposed constitutional and political changes in British Guiana?

Mr. George Hall

Yes, Sir. A representative Franchise Commisison has been set: up in the colony in accordance with the recommendation of the Royal Commission to review the position and make recommendations. The Commission will also advise on qualifications for election to membership of the Legislative Council and as to any alterations which may be desirable in boundaries of existing electoral districts. Proposals have also been placed before the Legislative Council for the modification of the composition of that council on the lines recommended by the Royal Commission. The proposals are:

  1. (1) That all official members of the Legislative Council should be with drawn with the exception of the Colonial Secretary, Attorney-General and Treasurer.
  2. (2) That the number of nominated unofficial members should be increased from five to seven in order to permit of nominations covering a wider field than at present.
    3. 1966
  3. (3) That the Royal Instructions, under which the composition of the Executive Council is laid down, should be amended to provide for the adoption of the more usual practice by which selection of members of the council is not necessarily limited to members of the legislature.