§ 23 and 24. Mr. PERKINSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether any Europeans employed in the forest department in Ceylon who have been dismissed have been replaced by Ceylonese during the last 12 months;
1509 (2) what reduction has been made in the European staff employed in the forest department of Ceylon during the last 12 months; and on what grounds these reductions were made?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)A reduction by two in the number of Assistant Conservators of Forests was agreed to by the late Governor as a measure of retrenchment, and it was consequently necessary to retire two European officers on pension. These officers have Rot been replaced by Ceylonese, and no appointment to the grade of Assistant Conservator could be made until either further vacancies occur or further provision is made for additional posts in this grade.