asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can now make a satement regarding the proposed new constitution for Mauritius.

The Governor has discussed with the Colonial Office a constitutional scheme designed to broaden the basis of representation of the Council of Government and to place wider responsibilities on the Council for the affairs of the island. On his return to Mauritius he will lay the scheme before the Council with a view to ascertaining their acceptance of the proposed measures. The Governor will, of course, be reporting to me the outcome of these discussions, and when the proposals for constitutional changes have reached their final form, I will be glad to make another statement to the House.