HC Deb 01 April 1910 vol 15 cc1680-1W
Sir WILLIAM COLLINS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the reasons assigned for the resignation of four members of the Commission recently appointed to give effect to the proposed changes in the Constitution of the Legislature, of Ceylon; whether witnesses have been invited to criticise the proposed scheme; if so, whether such criticism of the scheme contained in the Secretary of State's Despatch No. 664 falls within the terms of reference to the Commission; and whether, in view of the decision of the Commission to exclude the public from their sittings, it is proposed to publish periodically the evidence taken prior to the consideration of the Report by the Commission?

Colonel SEELY:

The following official notification was issued by the Governor of Ceylon on 7th March. Referring to the Commission appointed on 13th February on the Constitution of the Legislative Council, His Excellency the Governor issued instructions that Questions 3 and 4 of the Circular issued by the Commission for the information of witnesses were not included in the Secretary of State's instructions as to the terms of reference, and that they must be deleted. Four of the unofficial European members, namely, the Hon. Mr. W. H. Figg, Mr. Edward Rosling, Mr. H. A. Beachcroft, and Mr. J. G. Wardrop, having requested that the questions be allowed to stand, or that sittings of the Commission should be suspended till the Secretary of State had received and considered the views of the Chamber of Commerce and the Planters' Association, the Secretary of State was asked for instructions. The Secretary of State pointed out that the purpose for which the Commission was appointed having been entirely misapprehended by these members, to place any further obligation on them would serve no useful purpose, and he added that they might be very properly released from any further duty. These instructions were conveyed to the members concerned, and they have been accordingly released. His Excellency the Governor much regrets that the Commission will no longer have the benefit of their assistance and advice. We have no information as to the last part of my hon. Friend's question.