asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he expects to make a statement about the progress of constitutional negotiations in Malaya.

Mr. Creech Jones:

I would refer to my reply on 22nd January to my hon. Friend the Member for South Croydon (Mr. Rees-Williams). The Consultative Committee, which the Governor appointed to hear the views of interested bodies and individuals, has made good progress, but the remainder of its task and the subsequent necessary discussions in Malaya, will inevitably take a few more weeks, and I cannot forecast with any certainty the date of their completion.