HC Deb 30 June 1921 vol 143 cc2332-3
55. Earl WINTERTON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Salary Commission has yet reported on the pay and allowances of the various grades of the British personnel of the Ceylon Civil Service; and, if so, if he will state what their recommendations are in the case of the white police force?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. E. Wood)

The Salaries Commission has only recently begun its work, and its recommendations cannot be received for some time.

56. Earl WINTERTON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been called to the fact that the overcrowding in the single men's quarters of the white police force in Ceylon is such as to constitute a menace to health; whether he is aware that there is an instance of nine men sleeping in one room and six in another; and whether, having regard to the fact that the climate is a tropical one, he will at once take steps to provide better accommodation?

Mr. WOOD

I have no information, but I will ask the Governor for a report.

Earl WINTERTON

Will my hon. and gallant Friend in giving those instructions ask what steps have been taken to interview the committee properly appointed to represent these men, with a view to considering the very serious grievance which they consider they are suffering from at the present time?

Mr. WOOD

I shall be glad to put my Noble Friend's point before the Secretary of State for the Colonies.