HC Deb 27 July 1883 vol 282 cc781-3
MR. O'DONNELL

asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether his attention has been called to statements that the cholera in Egypt was introduced from India; whether it is true that in the first week in June, three weeks before the outbreak at Damietta, there were nearly 1,200 deaths from cholera reported in the Bombay Presidency districts of Khandesh, Poona, Thana, Nassick, Ahmednagar, Belgaum, and Sholapur; whether the cholera was of a very virulent type; and, whether he can state if all cases were reported to Government?

MR. J. K. CROSS

In the first week in June there were 1,161 deaths from cholera in the districts named by the hon. Member for Dungarvan. There is no reason to suppose that these figures are understated. The population of the districts affected is over 6,000,000, which gives a cholera death rate of 9.86 per 1,000 per annum. We have no information that the cholera was of a very virulent type. As regards the first part of the Question, I informed the hon. Member on the 9th instant that during the last six months cholera had been little, if at all, more prevalent in Indian ports than it usually is; and I quoted statistics on the subject.

MR. O'DONNELL

The hon. Gentleman has not stated whether all cases have been reported to the Government.

MR. J. K. CROSS

I stated that 1,161 cases had been reported, and it was not supposed there were any more.

MR. O'DONNELL

I wish to give Notice that on Monday I will ask, Whether it is true, that during the week ending the 30th May, there wore 636 cases of cholera and 278 deaths from cholera in the Poona District, and 395 cases and 220 deaths in the Thana District; and whether this proportion of deaths proves the virulence of the epidemic? Further, whether, in reference to some districts, as in Ahmednagar, the official Reports fail to give any statistics but confine themselves to the statement there was "cholera throughout the district?"

MR. MACFARLANE

Can the Government say whether any case has been reported of any Indian vessels leaving any Indian ports for Egypt with cholera cases on board during the year?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

That is a Question of considerable importance; and I must ask the hon. Member to give Notice of it.

MR. A. F. EGERTON

asked, whether the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs had received any confirmation of a report, sent upon the authority of Messrs. Cook, to the effect that cholera was materially decreasing in Egypt?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

The last telegram with regard to the deaths at Cairo, undoubtedly, shows a considerable decrease in the number of deaths from cholera. I have not yet received to-day the ordinary telegram from Cairo, which arrives in the afternoon; but I do not wish to attach too great importance to these figures, because there can be no doubt there are unreported deaths; and it would be better in this case not to be precipitate and take too favourable a view of the circumstances. I certainly hope that the turn has come. The official figures prove that there is room for hope; but I can say nothing more.

MR. VILLIERS STUART

asked whether the noble Lord could confirm the report that the Khedive had personally visited the cholera hospitals in Cairo at the risk of his life?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Yes, Sir; I can confirm the report that the Khedive has shown very great courage, and has visited the hospitals at Cairo. I may also state that his action in the matter has produced a very excellent moral effect.

MR. O'DONNELL

asked, whether the noble Lord was aware that the Empress Eugenie had habitually visited cholera patients in hospitals; and whether he thought it extraordinary that a man should do what a woman had habitually done?

SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

I should like to ask the Secretary of State for War, If the General Officer commanding in Egypt has sent any information with regard to the health of the troops, and especially of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry now at Ram-la, near Alexandria? There is very great uneasiness in many quarters with regard to this regiment.

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I gave yesterday the latest telegrams which I had received from the General Officer, especially in reference to the troops at Ramleh. I have heard nothing more since then. I received yesterday afternoon the nominal return of deaths from cholera in Egypt, and as soon as I have compared them these will be sent to the papers.