HC Deb 14 July 1943 vol 391 cc213-4W
Mr. David Adams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, what action is being taken following the recent amendment of the Representation of the People Act in Barbados; how the amendment will affect the qualifications of voters and elected members; and whether there is any intention of introducing adult suffrage in Barbados in the near future?

Colonel Stanley

According to my latest information Representation of the People Act is still under discussion in the Barbados legislature. The main changes to be made by the Bill as it stands at present in the qualifications for voters and elected members are as follow:—

Women will be eligible for election and will be enfranchised on the same qualifications as men.

The qualifications for voters are reduced for the most part by half.

I should be happy to send the hon. Member the detailed changes proposed in the Bill now under discussion if he so wishes. With regard to the last part of the Question, I think it will be desirable to see how the new Bill works out when it comes into effect.