§ Mr. HICKS BEACHasked whether any representations have been received from His Excellency the Governor or from any responsible bodies an Ceylon protesting against the proposed alteration in the constitution of the Legislative Council; and, if so, whether the Colonial Office intend to modify the original proposals?
§ Colonel SEELYRepresentations against the proposed reforms have been made by the Chamber of Commerce and the Planters' Association on the ground that they would prefer to retain the privilege of nominating members of the Council. But His Majesty's Government having decided to introduce the elective principle so far as is possible, the retention of this privilege would not be consistent with the principles of the reforms, and the chamber and association have been informed accordingly.