828 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
My letter to Dr. Ambedkar, dated 4th October:—
“Your letter of the 4th October. It is clear to me that the session will last at least till October 11th. I informed the House so. If it suits you, you can make a statement on that day.
As regards my making a statement, I have not definitely decided to do so. But I thought perhaps I might like to say a few words on that occasion.”
Dr. Ambedkar’s letter, also dated the 4th October:—
“As suggested in your letter No. 3373-PM dated 4th October. I am agreeable to your proposal and will make my statement in the Parliament on the 11th October. I have spoken to the Deputy Speaker and he has agreed to allow me to make my statement on that date after the business standing in my name, namely the Delimitation Order, is finished.”
That was the last letter, Sir.
* Shri Kamath : Before we proceed further, may I have your permission to ask whether yesterday, Dr. Ambedkar, who is now present in the House, was informed that the correspondence between him and the Prime Minister was going to be read in the House ? It was only fair,—and courtesy to the Minister demanded it—that he should have been informed that his correspondence was going to be read. If he was not informed, the House ought to know why he was not informed. I do not know whether he was informed or not. He might tell the House whether he was informed or not.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: I am not primarily concerned with all that. When the spokesman of Government wants to read out certain papers in connection with this, I naturally allow that. Apart from that, I fixed 6 O’clock for Dr. Ambedkar to make his statement. At that time, he was not present in his seat. Then, all relevant matters relating to that and these letters were read. It was expected ; therefore no special notice need be given.
*P. D., Vol. 16, Part II, 12th October 1951, pp. 4751-53.