§ 18. Mr. FERENSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what rules, if any, he proposes to lay down under the Ceylon Excise Bill for the guidance of the Excise Commissioners and the local advisory committees; and whether he will insert provisions in such rules, or otherwise provide, that these committees shall be genuinely representative of the various sections of local native opinion, and that no licences for the sale of intoxicants shall be issued against the recommendations of the local advisory committees?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)It is not in my power to issue rules under a Colonial Ordinance. Any necessary rules will be made by the Governor in Executive Council, and will require confirmation by the Legislative Council. The question of the composition of the advisory committees is now under consideration. If it were provided that no licences were to be issued contrary to the advice of the committees, the committees would obviously cease to be merely advisory. No such rule can therefore be laid down, but there can be no doubt that the licensing authorities will in all cases give due weight to the advice of the committee.