HC Deb 20 June 1916 vol 83 c23
18. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government have considered the condition of Ceylon as revealed by the numerous affidavits duly sworn before magistrates, such as that of Nugawela Ukkupina, aged sixty years, that on the 3rd June, 1915, some English planters driving in a motor car shot her son Rabanisa, aged twenty-three, when engaged at his lawful business; that he died of his wounds in the Pelmadulla Hospital and that no inquiry into his death has been held; why Sir Robert Chalmers, then Governor of Ceylon, did not order an inquiry into such eases if he thought its result would prove them to be without foundation; and why no inquiry is granted now if its result would justify his opinion?

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

I have read what purports to be a transcript of the affidavit in question, but I have no reason to believe that it accurately represents the facts, or that any further inquiry is necessary.

Mr. GINNELL

Has the lion. Gentleman any reasons to doubt the affidavit, and, if so, what are they?

Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

I have stated that I have no reason to believe that it accurately represents the facts.

Mr. KING

Are these people, then, to be proceeded against for perjury, as a great number of affidavits of this kind were evidently floating about?

Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down that question if he wishes an answer. Am I to understand that he does wish proceedings to be taken against all these people?