Sri Lanka

I make the point with considerable trepidation, but my right hon. Friend referred to the British Government ““giving”” independence to Sri Lanka. May I tell him that several of my constituents who have heard me use that expression have said that they would much prefer the wording to be that the British Government ““returned”” independence to Sri Lanka? I make no criticism of the right hon. Gentleman, whose record is impeccable, but perhaps we should consider using that verbal figuration on the Floor of the House.