§ Captain BERKELEY (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the elected Members of the Legislative Council of Fiji, as a protest against the action of the Secretary of State for the Colonies in remitting in favour of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company the Export Tax imposed on sugar by the Legislature of the Colony, have refused to participate further in the deliberations of the Council until an assurance has been given that no similar infringement of Constitutional rights will be attempted in future—[Interruption]—whether the Legislative Council now stands adjourned sine die on that account; and whether he will immediately give the required assurance in order that the business of Government in that Colony may be constitutionally carried on? [Interruption.]
§ Mr. GRATTAN DOYLEOn a point, of Order. May I ask where is the special urgency in this question that it should not, have been put on the Paper?
§ Mr. PRINGLEOn a point of Order. Is it not strange that the Imperialists on the opposite benches are the first to raise an objection to a question put to the right hon. Gentleman representing the Colonial Office?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIn view of the important business down for to-day, I must say that I was somewhat doubtful as to whether this question was urgent., but I gave the hon. and gallant Gentleman the benefit of the doubt.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe Secretary of State for the Colonies has received from the Governor of Fiji the communication made to him on this subject by the elected members of the Legislative Council. It is now engaging his careful consideration.