10. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what change there has been in the arrangement by which the new Malayan Constitution will come into force on 1st February; and, in view of the many criticisms of the Constitution expressed by all sections of the Malayan community, whether he will allow time for further discussion before bringing it into force, or at any rate ensure that there is opportunity for an early revision of the Constitution if this is found desirable in the light of experience.
Mr. Creech JonesThe Federation of Malaya came into existence on 1st February, and there has been no change in that arrangement. The Federal Constitution is the outcome of prolonged and comprehensive local consultations, and I am satisfied that further delay in bringing it into force would merely have prolonged controversy and impeded stable Government. The Constitution contains 1787 within itself machinery for change and development as and when this is found desirable in the light of local experience.