§ 67. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that ability to read and write English is to be a condition of membership of the Singapore Legislature and City Council that many will be eligible to vote, but not to stand as candidates; that British subjects of ability and excellent character will be disqualified from membership; and if he will review the position.
§ Mr. HopkinsonThe Rendel Commission which included representatives of all the major races in Singapore, examined most carefully the possibility of using other languages than English in both these bodies. They concluded that it was not practicable to do so since, if the principle of a multi-lingual Assembly was accepted, there were a number of languages for whose use a case could be made. This unanimous recommendation of the Commission was accepted, and my right hon. Friend sees no reason to dissent from it.
§ 68. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of electors on the electoral roll of Singapore; and how many of them are unable to read or speak English.
§ Mr. HopkinsonThe estimate is 300,000 of whom just under 200,000 are unable to read or speak English.