§ Mr. G. HALLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the facts established in the report of the Prisons Inquiry Commission, 1931, Ceylon, that a prisoner, Balasuriya, confined in Welikada, gaol, was flogged for insubordination, the offence having been a disrespectful reference to the Inspector-General of Prisons in a letter submitted to the prison authorities for transmission to the Colonial Secretary, a disrespectful attitude before the Inspector-General, and an insolent smile as he was removed from the presence of the Inspector-General; whether he is aware that the Inspector-General, in a written communication to the Superintendent of his decision that Balasuriya was to be prosecuted before the Superintendent for insubordination, expressed the opinion that the only adequate punishment was lashes; and whether the Inspector-General has received any official reprimand for this action or whether any disciplinary action has been taken in regard to this officer?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have seen the report referred to. I understand that no action has been taken against the Inspector-General, who has retired from the service since the incidents in question.