Electoral Qualifications

Oral Answers to Questions — Northern Rhodesia – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 26 October 1949.

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Photo of Mr John Hynd Mr John Hynd , Sheffield, Attercliffe 12:00, 26 October 1949

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what income or other qualifications are required for Africans, Europeans, and Indians, male and female, in Northern Rhodesia for registration on a common voters' roll.

Mr. Creech Jones:

The qualifications are the same for all three classes mentioned, and for men and women. Full details are given in Sections 9 to 15 of the Northern Rhodesia Legislative Council Ordinance, of which I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend.

Photo of Mr John Hynd Mr John Hynd , Sheffield, Attercliffe

Is the income qualification applicable to all the races £250, and, if so, is it not inequitable in relation to African incomes?

Mr. Creech Jones:

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. My answer does not cover British protected subjects, who are the majority of the inhabitants.