§ 19. Sir REGINALD CRADDOCKasked the Secretary of State for India if the election which is to decide whether Burma is to remain a unit of India will be held before the future constitution of India has been decided; and whether, in view of the danger of leaving a decision of such importance and finality to an inexperienced electorate, he will reconsider his decision?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe elections in Burma will probably be held about the end of October or early November. I am not sure in what sense the hon. Member uses the expression "decision of the future constitution of India"; but the broad outlines of a constitution for a separated Burma and for Burma as a province of India under the future constitution are already clear from the statements of the Prime Minister at the end of the Burma and India Conferences, and His Majesty's Government have no intention of withdrawing the opportunity offered to the people of Burma to choose between them.
§ Sir R. CRADDOCKIs there not a risk of a decision being given which is against the real wishes of the people?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have some difficulty in answering that question off-hand. If my hon. Friend will put it down, I will see if I can find an answer to it.