§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies if he will state under what conditions, if any, Cingalese gentlemen may sit for the police service (probationary) examination for Ceylon under the Colonial Office Circular of April last?
§ Colonel SEELYThe probationer system is intended only to provide for the European element in the force. Local appointments are provided for in a different manner, by promotion from among the inspectors. I am sending my hon. Friend an extract from the report of the Inspector-General of Police, from which he will see chat there is every disposition on the part of the local Government to reserve for Ceylonese members of the force a due share of promotion to the gazetted ranks.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEMay I ask whether this limitation to persons of European descent excludes Cingalese gentlemen from offices for which they have hitherto been eligible?
§ Colonel SEELYI do not think there is a further extension of the colour bar. There always has been a colour bar in that sense, as my hon. Friend knows.