HC Deb 21 September 1893 vol 17 cc1781-2
MR. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the late Secretary of State for the Colonies received in 1891 a Memorial from some of the leading inhabitants of Jaffra, Ceylon, with reference to a new tax on the principal markets, legalised as Ordinance 19 of 1891, and what answer has been given to it; and will he explain on what grounds the agent of the Northern Province of Ceylon, who has passed the age at which Civil servants are called upon to retire from the service in Ceylon, has been allowed to remain at the same post without being promoted or retired for nearly 40 years?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOB THE COLONIES (Mr. S. BUXTON,) Tower Hamlets, Poplar

A Memorial was received before the passing of the Ordinance referred to, asking that it might be disallowed. The answer given was that— The Ordinance would be carefully considered when submitted for the expression of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon. The Ordinance was subsequently received, and after full consideration allowed. There is no rule that Civil servants in Ceylon shall be called upon to retire at any particular age (they may be required to do so at or after 60) Mr. Twynam, the agent for the Northern Province, is past that age, but successive Governors have requested that he may be allowed to remain in Office, as his efficiency is in no way impaired, and his services are specially valuable. He has held his present post for 24 years, and has not been promoted, because there is no more valuable or responsible appointment in his department of the Ceylon Civil Service than that which he occupies.