HC Deb 14 May 1946 vol 422 c216W
141. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the letter from the All-Ceylon Tamil Congress protesting against the introduction of the Soulbury Commission's recommendations; whether he will arrange to defer the implementation of the recent White Paper on Ceylon; provide for the consideration of the whole matter by a joint parliamentary committee; arrange for fresh elections to decide the issue, and then set up a constituent assembly or constitutional ruling body to provide for the democratic government of Ceylon.

Mr. George Hall:

Representations from the All-Ceylon Tamil Congress regarding constitutional reform in Ceylon have been received and considered. His Majesty's Government is not disposed to vary the decisions which they made on this matter, and which were accepted by the State Council of Ceylon by an overwhelming majority, including five out of the seven Tamil members.