§ 5. Lieut.-Commander FLETCHERasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received any recent report upon the condition of the Andamanese aborigines, showing what steps are being taken to preserve the health of these tribes; and whether he can give an assurance that no firm of timber merchants will be given a concession for the timber of the Jarawa forest reserve, but that this reserve will be maintained solely for the aborigines?
§ Mr.BUTLERThe latest Administration Report stated that beyond the usual cases of colds and malaria the health of the Andamanese aborigines was good. Their preference for their own remedies rather than treatment in hospital continued, but arrangements were being made for them to be visited periodically in their camps by a sub-assistant surgeon. I have no information regarding the Jarawa forest reserve.