§ LORD BEAUMONTsaid, that he had lately heard from Ceylon that three new taxes had been imposed there—namely, a poll tax of 3s. a tax on guns of 2s. 6d. each, besides 6d. for the certificate, and 1s. on dogs. Now, it was well known that the people of Ceylon were obliged to keep dogs to protect them from the wild beasts, and he knew that the people were not in a 728 position to pay these large taxes. The consequence of the imposition of these taxes had been great disturbances; and he wished therefore to ask whether the noble Earl the Secretary for the Colonies had any objection to lay on the table the ordinances by which the taxes had been imposed?
§ EARL GREYsaid, the information of the noble Earl was extremely inaccurate. It was perfectly true that new taxes had been imposed, but it was to replace very large ones that had been removed. No serious disturbances had taken place, as the noble Lord had stated. He (Earl Grey) had no objection to lay the papers on the table.
§ House adjourned.