HC Deb 20 April 1920 vol 128 cc229-30
71. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps are to be taken in this Session to promote a constitution in Ceylon; and whether he will lay the draft constitution upon the Table before it is enacted so that the scheme may be discussed?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Lieut.-Colonel Amery)

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to the similar question addressed to me by the hon. Member for the Bishop Auckland Division on the 14th April.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman lay the draft constitution on the Table so that the scheme may be discussed?

Lieut.-Colonel AMERY

I gave an assurance on this point the other day to my hon. and gallant Friend. We shall certainly give the House fuller and further information as to our policy before any final settlement takes place.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Shall we be able to vote on the matter?

Lieut.-Colonel AMERY

I do not know that the House is entitled to vote on every matter of detail.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Surely a constitution for Ceylon is a matter which must be approved by the House?