§ Mr. NEEDHAMasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the offices of High Commissioner of the Federated Malay States and Governor of the Colony of the Straits Settlements being united in a single official, he has considered the desirability of the chief resident officer of the Federated Malay States being an officer of a considerable degree of independence; whether the change made since 1st February in the designation of that official will alter his status in such a manner as detrimentally to affect the interests of the Federated Malay States when they may conflict with those of the Colony; and whether due weight has been given to the strong unofficial opinion against the change in the Federated Malay States?
Mr. HARCOURTI am satisfied that the change, which was made with the cordial approval of the native rulers, and after the fullest consideration, is in the interests of good administration, and will in no way detrimentally affect the Federated Malay States.