HC Deb 10 April 1957 vol 568 cc124-5W
67. Mr. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the political situation in British Honduras.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

At the General Election last month the People's United Party secured all nine of the seats for elected members in the Legislative Assembly, and are thus assured of an overall majority. As a result of the split in the People's United Party to which I referred in my reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 31st October last, the People's United Party contested the election under new leaders. The other parties, none of which has secured representation in the Assembly, are the Honduras Independent Party and the National Party; and there were also certain Independent candidates.

The first meeting of the Legislative Assembly will take place on 12th April, and the Governor will then make appointments to his Executive Council, to which six members are to be elected by the Legislative Assembly from amongst its members.

The Governor has been assured by the leaders of the People's United Party that they are anxious to give him the fullest co-operation in the Government.