PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 829
Shri Kamath : But, was the other party to the correspondence informed ?
Mr. Deputy Speaker: If he chooses to be absent, what can be done ?
Shri Kamath: He left the Chamber, saying that he had resigned. Would he have been permitted to make a statement as an ex-Minister ? I think he was not told that at 6 O’clock the correspondence would be read.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Making a statement is not as a Minister, not while in office, but after resigning. Whatever may be the point of time, one minute after resignation, he ceases to be a Minister; he is an ex-Minister. According to the rules, a Member who has resigned his office of Minister may, with the consent of the Speaker make a personal statement in explanation of his resignation. The moment he resigns and it is accepted by the Prime Minister, whatever may be those rules, I am not concerned with that, when he resigns and wants to make a statement, he does not make a statement as a Minister. At that time, he is only an ex-Minister. I would not allow any surprises to be sprung upon me. If the hon. Member wanted to raise any question, if he had either talked to me in chamber or told me in advance. I would have referred to these matters. Let us not continue this further.
Shri Kamath: May I submit, again, that this surprise was sprung yesterday by the correspondence being read. As Dr. Ambedkar is present today, will you permit him, if he so desires, to make a statement on the correspondence read out yesterday ?
Mr. Deputy Speaker: I am aware that the hon. Member is quite able to take care of himself. All I wish to say is that I cannot answer hypothetical propositions here. Therefore, if the hon. Member wants to do any particular thing himself, if he himself is anxious or wants to make a statement or do something like that, I shall consider the matter.