§ 38. Mr. Prittasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now amend Section 13 (3) (f) of the Ceylon Constitution Order in Council, 1946, which imposes a disqualification for election on persons convicted of offences, even political offences, even where they have completed serving their sentences as far back as seven years ago, which disqualification was to be found neither in the previous Constitution nor in the draft Constitution prepared by the Ceylon Board of Ministers.
Mr. Creech JonesNo, Sir. I consider that any question of amending the Ceylon Constitution Order in Council, 1946, in the sense contemplated by the hon. and learned Member should await consideration in due course by Ceylon's new Parliament.
§ Mr. PrittBut will the right hon. Gentleman remember that there are many people of good character in Ceylon who will not 1380 get into the Parliament there unless something is done?
Mr. Creech JonesI appreciate that this is an unusual safeguard, but it was recommended by the Ceylon Ministers and also by the Soulbury Commission.