asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply he has made to the request of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Prime Minister of British Guiana, for the naming of a date for the political independence of that territory.

I informed Dr. Jagan on 14th December that I had taken note of the resolution passed by the British Guiana Legislature asking me to fix a date for independence during 1962. I reminded him of the formula on independence which had been agreed at the Constitutional Conference in 1960. I recognised that the Legislature's resolution was, however, a new development. I informed him that I therefore proposed to consult my colleagues on his representations, and hoped to be able to let him know the decision of Her Majesty's Government early in the New Year.

While appreciating much in that reply, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that a very critical situation is again developing in British Guiana? Is it not a fact that Dr. Jagan, since he has been a Minister, has acted with considerable restraint and with considerable constructive statesmanship? Will the right hon. Gentleman approach the Foreign Office to ask it if it will reverse its policy at the United Nations, which, even yesterday, opposed Mr. Cheddi Jagan being heard by the Trusteeship Committee?

No, Sir. I cannot accept that a critical situation, in any sense of the word, exists in British Guiana. I have already explained the position, and it seems to me to be reasonable that I should have a chance to consider any representations put to me. So far as the United Nations is concerned, we do not consider this matter in any sense to be within the competence of the United Nations.