§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has seen the receipt, or a copy thereof, signed 867W L. Bayly, Major, C.M.B., D. C. Ruanwella, 20th July, 1915, for the sum of 10,000 rupees, exacted from Aron Fernando, the price of discharge of himself and others from an accusation of rioting; whether this receipt is regarded as conclusive that the accusation was unfounded; if not, whether the officer has since been tried for compounding a felony; and whether this officer is now in His Majesty's service?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe sum in question was paid by way of compensation for damages caused in the riots. The system under which assessments were made for such payment is fully explained in the correspondence presented to Parliament. These assessments were voluntary, not compulsory. Major Bayly is an officer of the Ceylon Mounted Rifles; his work in connection with the riots has earned very favourable reports, and the suggestions Contained in the question are not well founded, nor is the document in question accurately described.
868W
§ Mr. GINNELLasked under what law the form of bond which certain villagers of Ceylon when in prison untried last year were compelled to sign, agreeing to pay a certain fine levied without trial, and hypothecating their entire property in further security for the payment; what reply did Sir Robert Chalmers, then Governor of Ceylon, now Under Secretary for Ireland, give to the petition of those villagers to be released from the bond so obtained; whether the payment has been enforced; and whether it has increased affection for British rule in Ceylon?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe hon. Member is altogether mistaken in supposing that villagers were compelled to sign bonds. Undertakings to pay were made voluntarily, as being the alternative to the levy of a rate, and the system of assessment (as I have already stated) is fully explained in the correspondence presented to Parliament.