REFORMS PENDING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 129, 13 March 1931, Page 5

REFORMS PENDING.

CONSTITUTION OF CEYLON. (United Press Association— Copyright). LONDON, March 11. In reply to a question ip. the House of Commons, the Under-Secretary of the Colonies (Dr. Drummond S'hiels) stated that it was hoped to issue, in a few weeks, an Order-in-Cdiinci l relating to the new constitution ot Ceylon, containing provisions for governing the relations between the Executive Committees and the State Council. The relations between the Committees and the. Departments will be defined m a statement to be issued by tlie Governor —British Official Wireless. The reform system, which is about- to lie put into operation is known as the Donoughmore scheme, after Lord Donoiighmore 3 chair roaii of tho official commission which originally proposed it. As finally approved, it provides for the creation of a single State Council of 61 members, of which 50 will be elected by universal adult suffrage, and the balance appointed by British, authorities to represent minority communities. This Council is to form sub-committees, each to administer some particular department of State other than defence, external relations and! the rights of public servants, which are to be handled by a British Governor, who is also to have wide overriding powers. Each elected member is to find, a, place on one or another of the committees, thus enabling the minority representatives to take some share in the Government.