12. Mr. David Adamsasked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies why, in response to a reasoned appeal for certain urgent reforms from the Seychelles Taxpayers' Association, the Governor has returned an unqualified refusal without comment; and is he aware that such treatment of loyal citizens of the Colonial Empire, and the denial to them of representation with taxation, is likely to provoke discontent in that Colony?
§ Mr. George HallThe Governor reported at considerable length on the representations of the Seychelles Taxpayers' Association, and his report satisfied my Noble Friend that his policy in regard to the matters raised was correct. I have no reason to believe that the decision on these representations will provoke discontent in the Colony. The membership of the Association, according to the latest figures supplied by them, is 129, whilst the population of the Colony is some 32,000.
Mr. AdamsAre we to understand that because this association is small it may be treated in a cavalier spirit, and will the Minister let me peruse the salient feature of the despatch referred to?
§ Mr. HallYes, Sir, I should be very happy for the hon. Member to do so. If my hon. Friend will see me, I will let him look at the full report.
Colonel Arthur EvansCan my hon. Friend indicate the difference between the burden of taxation per head of the white population of the Seychelles and the people of the United Kingdom?