§ MR. COBB (Warwick, S.E., Rugby)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether, as the appeal in the ease of "Bryce v. Rusden" has been disposed of, and the cause which last year prevented any action being taken 1531 with respect to the conduct of Sir Arthur Gordon has now been removed, he will now state what representations on the subject have been made to Sir Arthur Gordon, and what is the effect of any reply which has been received from him; and, whether any complaints have readied him that the unexplained conduct of Sir Arthur Gordon has seriously affected his authority as Governor of Ceylon?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)I have nothing to add to the answer given by my Predecessor in August of last year; and I concur in the opinion that the matter, which has no connection with Sir Arthur Gordon's present employment, should not be re-opened. I have heard nothing which would lead me to suppose that the people of Ceylon have taken any interest in this personal question; or that the authority of Sir Arthur Gordon in Ceylon has been affected by the transaction, which, related to affairs in another Colony.
§ MR. COBBSeeing that it has been distinctly proved in a Court of Law that Sir Arthur Gordon has been guilty of illegal and even dishonourable conduct, and that this is well known to every Member of the late and the present Government, I wish to ask whether any steps will be taken to remove Sir Arthur Gordon from his present position?
§ SIR HENRY HOLLANDMy answer to that is that I am not aware that it has been so decided by a Court of Law.