§ 83. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding proposed amendments to the constitution of the Seychelles; and when, afterwards, elections will be held.
§ Mrs. HartAgreement in principle has been reached with the Government of Seychelles on the changes in the constitution proposed by Sir Colville Deverell in his report, and on the modifications to certain of his recommendations set out in despatch No. 305 of the then Secretary of State for the Colonies: copies of both these documents are available in the Library. A general election will be held when legislation to give effect to the proposed changes has been finalised.
§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware of the backward state of the colony of Seychelles; and whether he will send a special commission of inquiry to investigate this.
§ Mrs. HartI am fully aware that remoteness and isolation of Seychelles and its poverty of natural resources make development and advance particularly difficult. Much has nevertheless been done in recent years with grants from Her Majesty's Government to improve such resources as it has and to provide services. I am determined to continue the process as rapidly as Her Majesty's Government's resources permit.
The needs of Seychelles are well documented and I do not consider that a Special Commission of Inquiry would be of assistance.