HC Deb 01 August 1911 vol 29 cc172-3
Mr. INGLEBY

asked why the same precedence is not granted to the Chief Judicial Commissioner of the Federated Malay States as to the Chief Justices of Crown Colonies?

Mr. HARCOURT

The circumstances of the Federated Malay States, which are not part of His Majesty's Dominions, differ from those of a Crown Colony, and it is impossible to argue by analogy from one to the other.

Mr. INGLEBY

Has not soreness been caused in the Malay States by the fact that their chief officer should take a lower rank?

Mr. HARCOURT

I do not know if there is any question which leads to greater soreness than that of precedence.

Mr. INGLEBY

asked whether, in view of the number of natives of India residing in the Federated Malay States, the Government will grant them a representative on the Federal Council?

Mr. HARCOURT

The answer to the hon. Member's question is in the negative.

Mr. INGLEBY

Are there now 172,000 Indians in the Federated Malay States, and have they not brought a considerable sum of money into the country, and as the Chinese are represented on the Council ought not India also to be represented?

Mr. HARCOURT

There is a large number of coolies in the Federated Malay States. If the hon. Member would like further information on the subject will he communicate with me privately?