HC Deb 23 July 1947 vol 440 c142W
59. Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will ask the Governor of Ceylon for his recommendations in relation to implementing the resolution of the Ceylon State Council of i4th May last, which called for the amendment of the Constitution Order of 1946 to remove the disqualification of political offenders and in relation to the petition of Dr. Wickremasinghe for a free pardon.

Mr. Creech Jones

As regards the State Council resolution, the Governor has consulted with his Ministers, who have made no recommendation for action in the matter. I must, therefore, assume chat Ceylon Ministers do not wish any steps to be taken to implement this resolution. As regards the second part of the Question, a petition for a free pardon was received by the Governor. The Governor has, in the exercise of the prerogative delegated to him, declined to grant a pardon, and in these circumstances I am unable to intervene.