§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information as to the present cost-of-living figure in Ceylon; and to what extent the salaries of white planters in the rubber and tea industry in that colony have been adjusted on that account.
§ Mr. George HallAccording to the latest available information the cost-of-living indices for Ceylonese estate labourers and city workers respectively are 224 and 226 (1938–39=100). As regards the second part of the Question, European rubber and tea planters are in private employ and information as to their emoluments is not ordinarily available. I understand, however, that a general recommendation made by the Association of Proprietors has been largely adopted whereby a dearness allowance of Rs.200 per month (married) and Rs.125 (single) is paid regardless of salary, and that this proposal accords with the request of the planters themselves.