§ 9. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many measures passed by the Ceylon State Council since its first meeting under the new constitution on 7th July, 1931, have since passed into law; and how many measures passed by the Council in the same period have been vetoed by the Governor?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe total number of Bills passed by the Ceylon State Council since its constitution, up to the date of the last Ordinance transmitted to me, is 39. None of these has been vetoed by the Governor, but one was reserved by him for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure, and His Majesty's assent to it was refused.
§ Sir A. KNOXHave 39 Bills been passed into law?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThirty-eight have been passed into law and one has been refused.
§ 11. Sir A. KNOXasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many measures since July, 1931, have been certified by the Governor of Ceylon as of paramount importance to the interests of the island?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERSince the coming into operation of the new Ceylon constitution the Governor has certified two measures as of paramount importance to the public interest. In addition he has taken action in six cases under Article 87 (4) of the Ceylon (State Council) Order in Council to preserve the rights or privileges of public officers.
§ Sir A. KNOXIs it my right hon. Friend's opinion that the constitution is working satisfactorily in Ceylon?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIt is rather difficult to answer that in reply to a supplementary question. What I think is absolutely essential is that the Governor should exercise the right of protecting the paramount interests of the Colony, and the interests of public servants there, without any hesitation.