8. Mr. LESTRANGE MALONEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can yet make any statement regarding the policy of His Majesty's Government towards the changes in the constitution of Ceylon recommended by the Donoughmore Commission?
§ 12. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what 577 steps he proposes to take in connection with the Donoughmore Report on the Ceylon constitution?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Amery)I still await the Governor's full report and recommendations in connection with the recent prolonged debates in the Legislative Council of Ceylon, and I am therefore not at present in a position to make any statement in the matter.
Mr. MALONEIs it the intention of the Government to adopt these recommendations before the General Election?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the recommendations of the Donoughmore Commission will not be accepted in a modified and undemocratic manner at the request of people who are elected on the old franchise, which is no longer suitable for the country in the opinion of the Donoughmore Commission?
§ Mr. AMERYI cannot give the right hon. Gentleman any absolute assurance that there will be no modification, and I am sure he can trust me to protect minorities.
Mr. MALONEDo the Government intend to put these reforms into operation even if they are not accepted by the Legislative Council of Ceylon?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it not possible for the coming election in Ceylon to be carried out on the new franchise proposed by the Donoughmore Commission, instead of on the obsolete franchise which would otherwise be used?