Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the present serious position of the Ceylon tea-producing industries; and whether, in view of the fact that the present heavy loss on cost of production has already led to the abandonment of certain tea estates and must in the immediate future cause the abandonment of many more, and of the fact that this abandonment of a part of the industry will lead to heavy loss of revenue in Ceylon and Great Britain, to the disbandment of large native labour forces, and the ultimate, increased price of tea to the consumer through shortage of supply, he is prepared to give such instructions as may appear advisable and feasible in order to enable the industry to tide over the present crisis?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYThe attention of the Secretary of State has been drawn to the matter, and he has asked the Governor of Ceylon for a report.