HC Deb 21 May 1900 vol 83 cc731-2
DR. TANNER

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the alleged increase in murder and crime in Ceylon has been investigated, and what explanation can be given by Sir West Ridgeway and his advisers in the matter.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN, Birmingham, W.)

The Governor has investigated and alleged increase in serious crime in Ceylon, and in February last stated that between 1897 and 1899 (inclusive) cases of murder and homicide had dropped 7 per cent., cases of grievous hurt 32 per cent., hurt with the knife 15 per cent., robbery 45 per cent., and cattle stealing 23 per cent.