§ Clause 2, page 2, line 1, leave out subsection (3).
§ THE EARL OF LISTOWELMy Lords, this Amendment will remove the disqualification on Buddhist monks and nuns from voting in the general constituencies in Burma. I should like to give your Lordships a brief account of the history of this proposed change. In another place strong disapproval was expressed of the proposal in the Bill, as it now stands, to deprive a religious body of the franchise, and, in deference to this widespread disapproval, the Government have agreed to accept the Amendment. Even if this Amendment is included in the Bill and becomes a part of the law, it is, of course, still open to the Buddhist Order to exclude its members, if it so desires, from participation in secular affairs, and, of course, in the exercise of the franchise. I beg to move that the House agree with this Amendment.
§ Moved, That this House doth agree with the Commons in the said Amendment.—(The Ear of Listowel).
§ LORD ALTRINCHAMMy Lords, without having any special knowledge of this subject in Burma, I may perhaps say that this is an Amendment of which in principle we entirely approve, and that we are glad it has been introduced.
§ THE EARL OF LISTOWELI will only acid that it was on a matter of principle that the change was made in another place.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.