HC Deb 04 December 1941 vol 376 cc1256-7
64. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he intends to indicate to the people of India upon what democratic basis His Majesty's Government consider they are entitled to discuss and determine the future Constitution of their country; whether he is aware of the numerous Hindu, Moslem and other bodies, including Congress, who support the principle of a Constituent Assembly; whether he will announce the number of democratic bodies in India who do not support that principle; and whether he intends to announce, in the near future, any proposals or plans for the modification or adaptation of the existing Constitution of India?

Mr. Amery

The intentions of His Majesty's Government in regard to the constitutional issue in India were set forth in the statement made by the Governor-General on 8th August, 1940, which invited Indians to reach a basis of friendly agreement first upon the form which shall be taken by the post-war representative body which is to devise the framework of India's future Constitution and on the methods by which it shall arrive at its conclusions, as well as upon the principles and outlines of the Constitution itself.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an answer to the specific Question I asked within my general Question concerning the number of bodies who support or do not support the principle of a Constituent Assembly, and further, does the welcome news of the release of political prisoners in India indicate some fresh approach to this very difficult question?

Mr. Amery

The Moslem League is one body opposed to the principle of a Constituent Assembly. As regards the Constitution, I think that is fully covered by the answer I have given.

Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

Is not the Government's surrender sufficient for one week?

Mr. Edmund Harvey

Has not the whole situation been improved by the very happy decision of the Government in regard to the release of political prisoners, and may we not hope that the action of Mr. Gandhi in calling a truce to civil disobedience will bring a new atmosphere?

Mr. Amery

We shall see.