HC Deb 17 May 1916 vol 82 cc1506-7
20. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, seeing that no charge was made against Mr. F. R. Senanayaka, B.A., LL.B. (Cambridge), a barrister, elected member of the municipal council of Colombo, and landowner, arrested on 21st June, 1915, kept in prison until 5th August, and then released without trial on depositing Rs. 10,000, giving a bond for Rs. 50,000, and undertaking not to leave Colombo without permission of the military and police authorities, will he now say what the charge in that case was; whether any evidence against this gentleman was obtained from his employées, who, while he was in prison, were imprisoned for that purpose, and also released without trial; and whether any official serving under Sir Robert Chalmers in Ceylon at that time has accompanied him to his new post in Dublin Castle?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Bonar Law)

The circumstances of the arrest of certain persons, including Mr. Senanayaka, are explained in the correspondence which has been presented to Parliament. I see no reason to take any action in the matter.

Mr. GINNELL

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the latter part of the question: whether any of these executioners have accompanied Sir Robert Chalmers to Ireland?