HC Deb 28 May 1946 vol 423 cc983-4
49. Mr. Cocks

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the Allied Control Council in Austria has refused to give its consent to the adoption by the Austrian Parliament of the 1929 constitution; and what the position is regarding the drafting of a new constitution.

Mr. R. J. Taylor

The Provisional Government under Dr. Renner's chancellorship proposed a law reviving the 1929 constitution. This law was adopted by the Allied Council and is still in force. Subsequently, in December, 1945, the present Austrian Parliament proposed a law making an amendment to the constitution. It was not possible to secure the unanimous agreement of the occupying Powers to this amendment. The Austrian Government were instructed to prepare a comprehensive draft of a revised constitution so that the small amendment could be considered in a wider context.

Mr. Cocks

In view of the fact that Parliament have refused to draft a Constitution, what is the next step?

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