§ MR. BARBOUR (Paisley)asked the Under Secretary of State for the 1079 Colonies if it is true that in Ceylon, by the new Commutation Act, the tax on the food of the people has been raised 50 per cent; that by the method of assessment in blocks, irrespective of ownership, the land of one or more owners in the block may be confiscated, although such owners were ready to pay, and had tendered payment; and that, as stated in the Ceylon Independent of the 22nd of February last, in one district alone over 2,000 acres had been sold for default, and thrown out of cultivation?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Baron H. DE WORMS, Liverpool, East Toxteth)No information has reached the Colonial Office which would enable me to answer the hon. Member's question in detail; nor has the Secretary of State heard of any hardship being caused by the working of the Commutation Act of 1878, which was introduced solely in the interest of the native cultivator. The Governor will, however, be called upon for a Report.