HC Deb 23 February 1955 vol 537 c155W
58. Mr. Braine

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to make a statement on the political situation in British Guiana.

67. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to make a statement in respect of present social and political conditions in British Guiana.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As regards social conditions, fair progress was made with schemes in the Development Plan last year, in particular the housing drive. The pace is now increasing but much remains to be done.

There have recently been dissensions within the People's Progressive Party. This came to a head at a Party conference on 12th-13th February at which a motion of no confidence in the existing Executive was passed and elections were held for office bearers and the General Council. As a result Dr. and Mrs. Jagan were relegated to less important posts in the Executive and a number of their supporters displaced. Mr. Burnham was elected party leader.

The validity of the action taken at the conference is, however, contested by Dr. and Mrs. Jagan, who are purporting to continue in their previous posts. Dr. Lachhmansingh, the new Chairman of the party, has announced that a general congress will be held on 27th March with the intention, I assume, of confirming the recent elections.