§ Mr. G. HALLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Burmese Buddhist pilgrims are detained for periods of from seven to 14 days at an open-air camp at Mardapam, in the north of Ceylon, on their way from Burma to the temple of the tooth relic of Buddha at Kandy; that these pilgrims have suffered ill-treatment and extortion at the hands of officials and medical officers during their detention; further, that before the pilgrims can proceed on their journey they are compelled to deposit the sum of 150 rupees per head as security that they will not settle in Ceylon but will return to Burma after the pilgrimage; and whether the Government is taking any action in the matter to avoid creating prejudice between Burmese and Ceylonese?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have no information in regard to this matter, but I will ask the Governor for a report.