§ Mr. Iremongerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the date of the next general election in Aden.
§ Mr. SandysThe life of the Aden Legislature is due to end on the 25th January, 1964, and a general election is due to be held within three months of the Council's dissolution. But Aden Ministers have represented to me that it would not be possible before the 25th January to give adequate consideration to the important recommendations of the Franchise Commission, and to prepare and enact the necessary legislation. They have also pointed out that the work of compiling an entirely new register of voters, and the process of holding a general election, cannot be completed within the time provided.
They have accordingly felt obliged to recommend some extension of the life of the Legislative Council. Her Majesty's Government recognise the validity of these considerations and have therefore reluctantly decided to empower the High Commissioner to postpone the dissolution of the present Legislative Council for the time necessary to complete these processes up to a maximum period of six months.