§ 9. Mr. GINNELLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the petition of Sinhalese gentlemen for an English inquiry into disturbances in connection with a Buddhist temperance procession in Ceylon last year has not yet been granted; how many persons were killed during the few days of the riots; how many were, without trial, shot, flogged, and imprisoned, respectively, under martial law after the riots had ceased; of those executed how many were not charged with having caused the death of any person; under what law was this done; what aggregate amount of money was exacted under the names of fines, security, deposit, etc.; whether the report of the Governor, Sir Robert Chalmers, is available for independent examination; and whether any inquiry in which the Sinhalese would have confidence will be held?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs regards the petition received from certain Sinhalese, I have nothing to add to the reply to the hon. Member for Attercliffe on the 5th April. I am not aware that any persons were shot, flogged or imprisoned without trial after the riots had ceased; a certain number were arrested on suspicion and afterwards released, but I have not precise figures. Information as to the number of persons killed, the number executed and on what counts, and the amount of the compensation exacted for damage to property will be found in the correspondence presented to Parliament, which also contains the report of the Governor.
§ Mr. GINNELLDoes the right hon. Gentleman question the facts set forth in the petition which he mentions, and, if he questions them, supported as they are by oath, why not prosecute the gentlemen whose names are on that petition?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not accept the facts, and I do not think that the mere fact that statements are made is a sufficient reason for having an inquiry such as suggested.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Governor of Ceylon at that time is the same gentleman who has gone to Dublin Castle?