§ MR. T. B. POTTERasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, "Whether, considering the large capabilities of Ceylon for the production of rice, and the prospects of continued scarcity and famine in Southern India, the Government is prepared to abolish, without further delay, the restrictions on the cultivation of rice and the system of revenue farming in the Island of Ceylon?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERThe whole question of food supply and taxes in Ceylon is at the present time under the consideration of a Commission appointed for that purpose in the Island, and until its Report has been considered by Her Majesty's Government it is impossible to arrive at any decision upon the question. I may, however, relieve my hon. Friend of any anxiety as to any effect upon the Indian Famine resulting from this matter, since it is the fact that the consumption of rice in the Island of Ceylon is more than double its production.