§ 5. Mr. MORGAN JONESasked the Secretary of State for India whether the Burma Legislative Council has yet reached a decision on the issue of separation from or federation with India under the proposed new constitution; and whether any delegates from Burma have been or are to be invited to attend the meetings of the joint parliamentary committee?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe special session called to give the Burma Legislative Council a further opportunity of reaching a decision on the question of separation or federation ended on Saturday last without any vote having been taken.
§ Mr. JONESIs it not the case, technically, as no decision was reached, that we have still to regard Burma as being part of India, and, in that case would not the Burmese people be entitled to representation on the Joint Select Committee?
§ Sir S. HOAREI think that I had better await the report of the proceedings of the Council and the Governor's comments upon them before I give an answer to that question.
§ Mr. JONESHas the right hon. Gentleman received a cable to-day, as some hon. Members have received, protesting against the prorogation of the Council before a decision has been taken on this matter?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have not received a protest, but I have received some communications from Burma which show that with one single exception all the leaders of the principal parties in the Burma Council were in favour of the termination of the debate.
§ Mr. JONESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I hold in my hand now a cable received this morning indicating that 46 members of the Council object to the procedure?
§ Sir S. HOAREI think I must await the official correspondence on the debate.