§ Mr. ColmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many representations requesting that Her Majesty's Government take action against Sai Baba he has received in the last 12 months; [136849]
(2) if he will make a statement on the activities of Sai Baba involving UK citizens in (a) the UK and (b) India. [136848]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienDuring the last 12 months the Home Office has received eight representations from members of the public about Sai Baba, of which seven were from overseas. In addition four representations have also been made by my hon. Friend.
The Government's position is that the members of this, and any other religious organisation, are free to follow their own doctrines and practices provided that they remain within the law.