§ Wing-Commander Grant-Ferrisasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give an assurance that the House will be given an opportunity of discussing any further important constitutional changes in the Colonies before they are implemented, bearing in mind the fact that a public announcement of the intentions of the Secretary of State is apt to be construed in the Colonies as committing him to seeing that the changes are carried out.
§ Colonel StanleyI fully realise the importance of giving this House complete information at the earliest possible moment of any major changes proposed to be made in the Constitution of any Colony, and of affording full opportunities for consultation and consideration in such matters. It has been my practice, and that of my predecessors, to make a very full statement of the policy of His Majesty's Government in each case. If in any particular case there is a general desire for a Debate, I would welcome it. A considerable time must necessarily elapse between the announcement of policy and its implementation, and during this period opportunities are open to the House for discussion.