HC Deb 23 November 1938 vol 341 cc1749-51
53. Commander Marsden

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action of the Board of Ministers in Ceylon has been taken on the report of the commission that inquired into the order of transportation made on Mr. Bracegirdle, particularly in regard to the recommendation of the commissioners that the services of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. P. M. Banks, be retained?

55. Mr. Annesley Somerville

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the nature of the communication received from the Government of Ceylon with regard to the services of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Banks; and whether Mr. Banks has applied, on his own initiative, for a transfer from Ceylon or for retirement from the public service, or does he contemplate the transfer of the Inspector-General of Police from Ceylon?

Mr. M. MacDonald

I am not aware what action, if any, has been taken by the Board of Ministers on the report of the commission. The Governor has informed Ministers that, in view of the findings of the commission, he cannot entertain their previous request for the removal of Mr. Banks. So far as I am aware, Mr. Banks has not applied for a transfer from Ceylon or for permission to retire from the public service. Like other officers in the Colonial Police Service, his claims to promotion are reviewed as occasion offers, but his transfer is not at the moment in contemplation.

61. Mr. A. Somerville

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the professional or ex-professional standing of the Commissioners composing the Commission appointed to inquire into the allegations against the Inspector-General of Police in Ceylon, Mr. Banks; and whether he is aware that the Commission rejected the evidence of the Minister of Home Affairs, Leader of the House, but that the State Council of Ceylon has since adopted a resolution expressing their continued confidence in this Minister?

Mr. MacDonald

The Commission consisted of the present Chief Justice, a retired Senior Puisne Judge, and a retired Solicitor-General of Ceylon. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

Mr. Somerville

In view of the fact that the Commission vindicated Mr. Banks of the accusation made against him and recommended that he should be retained in his present post, will the right hon. Gentleman see that he is so retained?

Mr. MacDonald

My hon. Friend will find that I answered that on an earlier question.