HC Deb 18 December 1929 vol 233 cc1388-9
28. Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is to be taken with regard to the reform of the Constitution of Ceylon, following the vote of the unofficial members of the legislative council?

Dr. SHIELS

As was indicated in my Noble Friend's despatch of the 10th October, which was laid before Parliament in Command Paper Number 3419, the drafting of the necessary Order in Council to give effect to the proposals will now be put in hand, and the Governor will take the preliminary action directed in paragraph 24 of that despatch.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Will the hon. Gentleman say more approximately when the new Order in Council will be promulgated and brought into force?

Dr. SHIELS

I am sorry that I cannot give an exact date, but the life of the present council will be prolonged to the end of next year, so that there is plenty of time.