HC Deb 03 December 1930 vol 245 cc2209-10
28. Sir FREDERICK THOMSON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he now has information as to whether the Colonial Secretary in Ceylon has announced that the Government will instruct the official members of the Legislative Council to vote for the Income Tax Bill?

Dr. SHIELS

The Income Tax Bill was introduced as a Government Measure, and the official members will vote, in accordance with the usual practice, as the Governor may direct.

Sir F. THOMSON

Will the hon. Member advise the Governor to allow the official members a free vote on this occasion, or postpone the Third Reading of this Bill until the two vacancies among the unofficial members of the Legislative Council have been filled by election?

Dr. SHIELS

The hon. Member wed knows that these matters are normally left to the discretion of the Governor and I would point out that it is quite the normal thing when the Ceylon Government introduces a Measure for the official members to be expected to vote for it.