Lieutenant H. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that the franchise provisions for Ceylon recommended by the Soulbury Commission will be adequate to ensure that Indian estate workers with an abiding interest in the country will be registered as voters without having to prove domicile and that the registration will be effective.
§ Mr. George HallUnder the existing franchise provisions, the continuance of which is recommended in the Soulbury Commission's Report, as an alternative to proving domicile in Ceylon an estate worker can secure the vote if he obtains a certificate of permanent settlement, for which the qualifications are residence in Ceylon for five years and a declaration of the intention to settle permanently there. The question of the Indian franchise has already been the subject of direct discussion between the. Governments of Ceylon and India, and I hope that these discussions may be resumed with the object of arriving at a settlement of any existing grievances.
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Lieutenant H. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why it has been found necessary to include in the proposals for a new Constitution for Ceylon special provision for the protection of the property of British subjects not residing in Ceylon; and whether he is aware of the danger that this special power might be used to hinder the full control of the economic resources of Ceylon by the local population.
§ Mr. George HallThe provision to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers appears in the Constitution of most Colonies and in that of Southern Rhodesia. It relates, of course, to the rights and property of British subjects of all races and in Ceylon will apply equally to Indian as well as European interests. I do not share the view that its retention as part of a new Constitution which has been accepted by the State Council of Ceylon by 51 votes to three, which included a substantial minority vote is likely to have the effect suggested.