HC Deb 15 August 1916 vol 85 cc1630-1
16. Mr. MORRELL

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the speech by the European Member, the hon. Mr. Creasy, in June last in the Legislative Council of Ceylon, in which that gentleman expresses the conviction that a great many innocent persons were now dying in the gaols; and will he call for a Return showing how many persons are at present in gaol in Ceylon in connection with the riots?

The UNDER - SECRETARY for the COLONIES (Mr. Steel-Maitland)

I have seen a report of the speech in question. The number of persons convicted for offences connected with the riots is given in the correspondence presented to Parliament. Having regard to the undertaking given by the Governor, mentioned in my reply to the hon. Member for Salford North on the 1st August, I see no reason to call for any further Return at the present time.

Mr. MORRELL

Are we to understand that there will be no further inquiry with regard to these men who are now in gaol?

Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

Not at all, Sir. If my hon. Friend will refer to the question and to the answer he will find that the Governor is making inquiry personally into these cases.