6. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India Act of 1919 is to be applied to Burma; and, if so, upon what date, and upon what conditions, if any, differing from those relating to India proper?
§ 10. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for India by what authority he has decided to bring Burma within the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1919, from which, as passed in Parliament, Burma was expressly excluded; and whether the Government propose to bring in a Bill to legalise this procedure?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe whole question is still under consideration, and no final decision has been arrived at.
§ Colonel YATEDoes the Government propose to bring in a Bill to legalise this procedure?
§ Mr. MONTAGUWe have not yet decided on the policy, so that I cannot definitely say whether a Bill will be necessary, but I promise the hon. and gallant Gentleman in the House that no action will be taken without submitting the decision to a vote of both Houses of Parliament.
§ Colonel YATEOn what authority was the statement officially published in the papers that the procedure has been adopted?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI cannot be responsible for statements published in the papers.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the peaceful conditions long obtaining in Burma will not be a reason for delaying necessary constitutional reforms?
§ Mr. MONTAGUMy experience is that peaceful conditions accelerate and un-peaceful conditions retard reform.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill that be the case with Burma?