§ Sir WILLIAM COLLINSasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what definition has been laid down for the burgher class who are to be accorded special representation in the Legislative Council of Ceylon; and whether inhabitants of the Colony of Portuguese descent will similarly enjoy special representation in the reformed Council?
§ Colonel SEELYThe burghers have been for many years represented in the Council by a member nominated by the Governor. The only change now made is that the member, instead of being nominated, will be elected by the class which he represents. The precise question of what classes of the community are included in the term burgher is receiving the attention of the local Commission. Pending the receipt of the Commission's Report it is not possible to say to what extent the Portuguese-Eurasian community will share in the election of the burgher member. In any case, it is not proposed that this class should be separately represented.