§ 12. Mr. J. H. SIMPSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received a Report of the recent debate in the Ceylon Legislative Council on the subject of constitutional reforms; whether the proposals for a revised constitution have proved generally acceptable in that colony; and whether he can make any statement as to the intentions of the Secretary of State for the Colonies in the matter.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe Governor has informed the Secretary of State by telegram that he has recently sent by mail a Report of the proceedings in the legislative 944 council on the subject. Pending the receipt of that Report, I am unable to make any statement.
§ Mr. SIMPSONWill that Report be laid on the Table when it arrives?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI am contemplating, before finally deciding, laying Papers showing the various representations by different parties in connection with the Ceylon constitutional reforms which have been received.
§ Mr. LINFIELDWill there be an opportunity of discussing these suggestions before a final decision is taken?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThat rathedepends whether the Opposition seek an opportunity on the Colonial Office Estimates.