§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, as Ceylon is geographically and historically allied to India and depends upon that country for her food supply and for labour for her principal industries, the advisability has been or will be considered of making Ceylon a province of the Indian Empire or, in the alternative, to give the island a constitution similar to that of an Indian Province, with a view to its ultimate incorporation with India if considered desirable?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYNo such proposal has been under consideration.
§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Under-Secretary for State for the Colonies if it is in contemplation to grant a measure of self-government to the people of Ceylon; and if so, whether an early announcement on the subject will be made in view of the decisions already announced in regard to Malta and other Colonies?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYThe question of the reform of the constitution of Ceylon is engaging earnest consideration, and700W arrangements have been made for the Governor of Ceylon to come to this country in the early spring in order to discuss the whole question with the Secretary of State.