§ Mr. Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he now proposes to make any constitutional reforms in Gibraltar.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes. In the light of discussions which have been held by the Governor since my reply to the Question of the hon. Member for Goole (Mr. G. Jeger) on 2nd May, I have decided that the time has now come to make certain changes in the Constitution, and I am taking an early opportunity of laying before the Queen in Council the orders necessary to give effect to them.
The changes to be made are the appointment of one more unofficial member to the Executive Council, an increase in the number of elected members of the Legislative Council from five to seven and provision for the appointment of an independent Speaker of the Legislative Council—it being understood that in view of the possible difficulty of finding a qualified and independent person for this office the Governor will continue to preside over the Council when 74W the office of Speaker is vacant. Should the Legislative Council so decide, I shall also be agreeable to the reduction in the number of nominated members of the City Council from five to four and the removal of the ex-officio member from the Council.