§ 8. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can yet give a date for the initiation of the Burma Constitution; and, if not, whether the delay arises from a change of attitude towards the constitutional reform?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe new Constitution will be initiated as soon as possible after the rules required for the purpose are approved. The Secretary of State hopes to bring the draft rules, with his proposals, before the Standing Joint Committee at a very early date, and is anxious that they should be settled without delay.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDo I understand that the fixing of these rules by the Standing Joint Committee will be the last stage before the enactment of this Constitution, and that the Constitution is at present awaiting the decision of the Joint Committee?
§ Earl WINTERTONNo, Sir. The procedure, as my hon. and gallant Friend will recollect, is that they will have to be approved by this House. That will be the next step after the Standing Joint Committee has reported. These rules, it is hoped, will be put in operation this year.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODThe Noble Lord does not intend to introduce a Bill to establish this Constitution, but merely by an executive Act to include Burma in the original Bill?
§ Earl WINTERTONIt is not necessary to introduce a Bill, but there will have to be a Resolution by both Houses, either affirmative or otherwise.