HC Deb 02 March 1931 vol 249 cc3-4
7. Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it is proposed to hold any separate inquiry into the proposals for the future government of Burma, or whether this matter will only be considered in conjunction with the Round Table Conference proposals generally?

Mr. BENN

I am not yet able to make any statement as to the methods to be adopted for framing a new constitution for Burma; but since the intention is—as already announced by His Majesty's Government—that this constitution should be for a Burma separated from India, there can be no doubt, I think, that it must be worked out—in the main at all events—by machinery different from that to be devised for carrying on the work of the Round Table Conference in framing a new constitution for India.

Mr. FREEMAN

Will there be an opportunity of reconsidering this matter before a final settlement is reached, or is it a final settlement?

Mr. BENN

I must refer the hon. Member to the statement made at the Conference.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Does the answer of the right hon. Gentleman mean that in no case will Burma be in an inferior status to India in these negotiations?

Mr. BENN

That point also was dealt with at the Conference.