§ LORD RANKEILLOURMy Lords, I beg to ask His Majesty's Government the Question that stands in my name on the Paper.
[The Question was as follows: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they propose to make any changes in the Constitution of Ceylon; if so, whether they intend to proceed by Bill or Order in Council; and in the latter case whether such Order would require an affirmative Resolution of both Houses of Parliament.]
THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE MARQUESS OF DUFFERIN AND AVA)My Lords, it is hoped shortly to publish correspondence with the Governor of Ceylon on proposals for amending 296 the Constitution of the Island. Meanwhile no statement of the intentions of His Majesty's Government can be made. The reply to the second part of my noble friend's Question is that in the event of amendments being made in that Constitution, procedure will be by Order in Council, which would not require any Resolution of either House of Parliament.