§ Major GRAHAM POLE (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for India what is the view of His Majesty's Government regarding the constitutional position of Burma after separation from India?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated yesterday in the final plenary session of the Round-Table Conference, the Government have decided to proceed with the separation of Burma. They wish it to be understood that the prospects of constitutional advance held out to Burma as part of British India will not be prejudiced by this decision, and that the constitutional objective after separation will remain the progressive realisation of responsible government in Burma as an integral part of the Empire. In pursuance of this decision they intend to take such steps towards the framing, in consultation with public 30 opinion in Burma, of a new Constitution as may be found most convenient and expeditious, their object being that the new Constitutions for India and Burma shall come into force as near as may be simultaneously.
§ Mr. O'CONNORHas this decision been arrived at since the conclusion of the round-table proceedings and, if not, why was this very grave decision not communicated to the round-table Conference?
§ Mr. BENNIf the hon. and learned Gentleman had listened to the answer, he would have noticed that it commenced with the words, "As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said yesterday."
§ Mr. O'CONNORIs it not a fact that no details such as have been given this afternoon were given to the round-table Conference yesterday, and, if so, is the House to assume that these grave decisions have been arrived at since the round-table Conference concluded and without any reference to the round-table Conference
§ Mr. BENNIf the hon. and learned Gentleman had read the Prime Minister's statement yesterday, he would have observed that it referred to the report of the Committee in which these facts were. stated.