§ 20. Major GRAHAM POLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the Donoughmore Commission expressed the opinion that the salaries of public officers in Ceylon should be subject to the annual vote of the Legislature, and in the Order-in-Council establishing the new Constitution the salaries of the three officers of State are fixed and made non-votable, he will give the reasons for this departure from the recommendations of the Commission?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe Donoughmore Commission recommended the insertion in the Order-in-Council of an article preserving to the Secretary of State the final decision in all matters affecting the salary and emoluments of all public officers whose appointment is subject to his approval. In view of the special position occupied by the Governor and the officers of State, it seemed desirable to make special provision in the Order-in-Council for their salaries. The officers of State will be members of the Board of Ministers and of the State Council, but will have no votes in those bodies, and in view of the fact that they will be responsible for carrying out the instructions' of the Governor in regard to those matters of which control is reserved to him, it seemed essential to provide that their salaries should not be subject to alteration by the State Council.