HC Deb 11 February 1929 vol 225 cc13-4
16. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give information as to the riots in Colombo; and, particularly whether he proposes to take any disciplinary action in the matter?

22. Mr. RENNIE SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give the latest news with regard to the industrial dispute in Colombo?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Amery)

I have received several telegrams from the Governor, who will send further reports after the conclusion of the inquest and the magisterial inquiry. These telegrams do not add anything material to the accounts which have appeared in the Press. At the moment it would obviously be premature to consider the question of the necessity for disciplinary action. The latest telegram received from the Governor was dated the 7th February, and reported that conditions were quiet and normal. In the course of the disturbances 28 casualties were admitted to hospital and there have been five deaths; 41 slight injuries were treated in the out-patients department. There were no European casualties, and the feeling of the crowd appears to have been specifically against the Ceylonese as distinct from the European police.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is there any truth in the telegram reporting that the Colonial Secretary was playing golf while these riots were taking place?

Mr. AMERY

I do not, know, but it is perfectly possible that the Colonial Secretary may have been playing that afternoon if no riots were expected.