17. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to state the number of persons imprisoned in Ceylon in connection with the Ceylon riots who have been set free?
§ Sir J. D. REESIf the right hon. Gentleman is going to reopen this case will be consider the propriety of reopening the case of Governor Eyre?
18. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Sir John Anderson is satisfied that many persons in Ceylon were committed to prison and suffered severely through evidence now admittedly false; and. if so, whether he will consult Sir John Anderson as to the advisability of taking an early opportunity of declaring a general amnesty for all persons who, without trial, have been committed to prison or deported in connection with the riots?
§ Mr. LONGI am aware that Sir John Anderson has remitted or reduced a number of sentences passed in connection with the riots of 1915; but I do not think that the suggestion in the first part of the question is justified. No persons remain in prison who were committed without trial and none were deported from the colony. The Governor has power to remit any sentence, and I see no reason to interfere with his discretion.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTIs it a fact that martial law no longer prevails there, and will, therefore, those who were sentenced by court-martial without the protection of civil trial have their sentences reviewed?
§ Mr. LONGNo, Sir, I should think not, but the whole question is under consideration of the Governor, who has dealt admirably with it, and I am not prepared in any way to interfere with his discretion.
§ Mr. L. JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether Sir John Anderson has completed his investigation in cases arising out of the trial.