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In addition to the powers delegated to Committees, the Council has also authorised certain Committees to delegate to Sub-Committees appointed by them the exercise and discharge of certain of the powers and duties entrusted to the Committee. Here also the delegation is subject to certain reservations and safeguards. (See Standing Order 139 and the General Standing Orders.)

Again the Council has delegated certain limited powers of administration to its Heads of Departments subject to reports of action taken. (Standing Orders, 258 and 428 to 501.)

The Council's central administrative staff is organised in sixteen departments. which either represent the principal professions, such as engineer. architect, medical officer, solicitor, or deal with special services, such as fire brigade, parks, education, mental hospitals, public assistance.

In stating the present procedure and practice of the Council, I should perhaps explain that for some time after the Council came into existence in 1889, there was a tendency to limit somewhat strictly the degree of responsibility allowed to the Stand- ing Committees, with the result that an undue proportion of the Council's time became absorbed by relatively small details of current administration to the prejudice of due consideration of important matters and large questions of policy. This difficulty became enhanced as time went on and fresh and important duties were placed upon the Council as the result of new legislation.

The question of reforming the Council's procedure became so acute in course of time that, in 1913, a special committee was set up to deal with the subject. As the result of the deliberations of this Committee the Council decided on certain alterations in its then existing practice. the broad effect of which was to extend very widely the delegated powers conferred upon committees, coupled with certain clearly defined safeguards to secure to the Council control of matters of principle and important questions of policy, and at, the same time to ensure the protection of the interests f minorities

Under the new scheme of procedure which came into force on 1st October, 1914. decision in regard to all those matters of which the Standing Committees formerly only had a power of consideration was absolutely delegated to the committees, suh- ject to the limitations to which I have already referred.

By the means described the Council retains in its own hands the initial decision on all questions of principle; the determination of large questions of policy, adminis- trative and executive; and financial control through the capital and maintenance esti- mates which have to be approved by it before any expenditure can be incurred. coupled with the check on expenditure placed in the hands of the Finance Committee. I trust that the foregoing information will be of service to the Governor of Ceylon, but if any further information is desired I shall be happy to supply it on hearing from you to that effect.

I am, &c.,

MONTAGUE H. COX.

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of this form is that the recommendations of the several Committees are presented to the full Council in such a manner that, while full opportunity is given for criticism, unnecessary discussion is avoided and the time of the Council is economized.

The form of agenda is, I think, self-explanatory, but I shall be glad to give any further information if you should require it.

C. 73230/1/30 [No. 16].

No. 178.

I have, &c.,

PASSFIELD.

THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 1st June, 1931.)

(No. 373.) MY LORD,

Queen's Cottage, Nuwara Eliya, 9th May, 1931. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordship's despatch No. 111 of the 9th March, 1931,* transmitting copies of the form of agenda used at meetings of the London County Council. I have directed that a similar form of agenda be introduced for use at meetings of the State Council when it is constituted.

I have, &c.,

GRAEME THOMSON,

Governor.

C. 73230/1/30 '[No. 9].

Clerk of the Council.

No. 177.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE to THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE

(No. 111.)

SIB,

GOVERNMENT.

[Answered by No. 178.]

Downing Street, 9th March, 1931.

transmitted to you copies

In my despatch No. 55 of the 22nd January, 1930,*

of the Standing Orders and Regulations of the London County Council. I now enclose copies of the form of agendat used at meetings of that Council.

I think it most desirable that a similar form of agenda should be used from the beginning at meetings of the State Council about to be constituted. The advantage

↑ Not reprinted.

* C. 73230/1/30 [No. 4]; not printed.

* No. 177.

Printed under the authority of His Majesty's Stationery Office, By METCHIM & SON, 8, Princes Street, Westminster, S.W.1.

Ceylon Constitution.-Gp. 6. 24128/2975. 30. 9/33. (951)

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

PEPEC.O.882/11

سب السلسا

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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