A New Constitution For
p. 34 · Read in the full issue
Fiji
Questions In The Commons
THE following is from an official report of proceedings in the House of Commons: Mr. Geoffrey Cooper asked the Secre tary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the new Governor’s announcement on arrival in Fiji that constitutional issues would receive immediate consideration, he was in a position to make any statement as to the setting up of a Commission to investigate the present position and advise both the Governor and Minister accordingly.
Mr. Rees-Williams: The present Gover nor of Fiji, before his departure for the Colony, was asked to report on these matters after he had had an opportunity of studying the problem at first-hand. I am not in a position to make any state ment at present.
Mr, Cooper: Will the Under-Secretary give an assurance that such organisations as the European Electors’ Association of Fiji will have full and fair opportunity to express their views and make represen tations both to the Governor and to the Colonial Secretary, and will he make a point of seeing that any original reports that this organisation may wish him to see will actually receive his personal at tention?
Mr. Rees-Williams: Certainly.
Mr. Cooper asked if, in the economic, educational and cultural plans to be drawn up under the new Governorship of Fiji, he will ensure that the fullest con siderations be given to any representa tions made on behalf of the native Fijians, and see that such representa tions are at least considered equally with those coming from the Indian and other sections of the community.
Mr. Rees-Williams: Yes, Sir.