§ 43. Mr. WELLSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any information with regard to the death of 11 natives imprisoned at Sinarango, in the Solomon Islands?
§ Captain MARGESSON (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to answer this question. I regret to say that there has been an outbreak of dysentery among the prisoners and that eight deaths have been reported. All possible measures have been taken by the senior medical officer to deal with the outbreak and the situation is said to be improving.
§ 44. Mr. WELLSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give instructions for the commissioner who is holding an inquiry into the recent troubles in the Solomon Islands to inquire into the prison conditions of natives awaiting their trial?
§ Captain MARGESSONI have been asked to take this question. Before deciding whether it is desirable to enlarge the inquiry so as to include this subject, my right hon. Friend would prefer to await the report which he expects to receive from the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific.