§ 3. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give statistics as to the number of lepers in the various provinces in India;. whether any system of segregation is adopted; and whether there are dispensaries for their free treatment?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe latest available statistics are those; contained in my reply to the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Scurr) on 26th February, 1925, copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. As regards the second part of the question, the Indian Lepers Act provides that compulsory segregation of pauper lepers may be enforced in areas to which the Act is made applicable by the local Government. I understand that there are dispensaries in many places for the treatment of early cases of the disease.
§ Mr. LANSBURYHow often are these statistics collected? Am I to understand that the Noble Lord is sending me statistics for 1925?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe carrying out of this work is a matter for the local governments and the Legislative Council; and if the hon. Gentleman wants any further information, it will be necessary to make specific inquiries from the local governments. The statistics, of course, cover more than one Province.