HC Deb 15 October 1908 vol 194 c464
SIR H. COTTON

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the constitution of the Ceylon Legislative Council, which does not contain a single elected member; whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction which prevails in the island on account of this absence of representation; and whether His Majesty's Government will take into consideration the advisability of giving to Ceylon such an elective Legislative Council as other Crown Colonies possess and of appointing one or more Ceylonese to the Executive Council.

COLONEL SEELY

The Secretary of State does not propose to introduce changes in the constitution of Ceylon which, I may say, appears to give as much satisfaction as can reasonably be expected of any form of Government.

SIR H. COTTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable dissatisfaction is expressed and felt in the island of Ceylon?

*MR. REES

In what manner has it been manifested?

COLONEL SEELY

I am aware that dissatisfaction is expressed with all Governments. I cannot say what amount of dissatisfaction is felt in this case: perhaps the hon. Member for East Nottingham can inform the hon. Member for Montgomery Boroughs.