§ 27. Lieut. - Colonel ARCHER - SHEEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that officers cashing drafts for service and wound gratuities in Ceylon are being mulcted of a considerable portion of these sums owing to the loss on exchange; and whether he can make arrangements whereby the Government of Ceylon will cash these drafts at par value?
§ Lieut-Colonel AMERYThe drafts referred to are presumably being cashed in Ceylon at the market rate of exchange. The Secretary of State fears that he cannot ask the Government of Ceylon to bear the expense of cashing these drafts at a more favourable rate.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEIs it not a fact that the Ceylon Government have to purchase many things in this country, and could not this money be used in that way, thereby relieving these officers?
§ Lieut-Colonel AMERYThere is no doubt that all Governments have various means of getting money. It is obvious that if the Ceylon Government pay them this extra money they could at once bring the money back to England and make an extra 20 per cent.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that these officers have to cash their drafts at a discount, and are not getting the full value?
§ Lieut. - Colonel AMERYThey are getting the full market value in Ceylon rupees. If they got the old par rate, they could at once send the money home and get an increase on the transaction.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWhy not pay them in English currency?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYThey can, but when they change in Ceylon they would get fewer rupees than they would have received a year or two ago.