MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he is aware of the dislocation under which the trade of Ceylon is now suffering, owing to the closing of the Indian mints, the scarcity of rupees, and the consequent exorbitant rate of interest prevailing; and (2) whether he can give any assurance that the planters of Ceylon will be allowed to state their ease before the Committee which is about to inquire into the question of the Indian currency?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES(1) Representations have reached me to the effect that the future of the tea industry in Ceylon depends largely on the currency question; (2) the attention of the Committee has been specially called to the desirability of giving a full hearing to representatives of the Ceylon planting interest.