asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to end the deadlock in constitutional reform in Sierra Leone; and, in view of the Governor's statement that he may be compelled to implement the earlier Stevenson proposals, whether this is likely to be implemented soon.

Dispatches exchanged between the Governor and myself on this subject were published on 15th July, and copies have been placed in the Library of the House. These dispatches set out fully the reasons why the Governor has recommended, and I have agreed, that the 1948 proposals, with certain modifications, should now be implemented. It is intended that the new Constitution should come into force early next year.