HC Deb 19 October 1908 vol 194 cc707-8
MR. BYLES (Salford, N.)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the exhibition of alleged natives of Ceylon in the Franco-British Exhibition, exposed to climatic and other conditions prejudicial to their health; whether the present arrangements have the sanction of the Home Office; and, if not, can he intervene for the protection of these people.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) The arrangements made for these persons do not require the sanction of the Home Office, but I have made inquiries, and I am assured by the authorities of the exhibition that they are well supplied with woollen underwear and blankets; that a physician attends regularly at the "Ceylon Village," but up to the present there has not been a single case of serious illness among the natives; and that the sanitary inspector on Saturday last informed the authorities in charge of the village that the living rooms and sleeping accommodation there do not give cause for the slightest complaint.