§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the percentage of the bubonic plague cases in Hong Kong for each month since August last inclusive; and, in view of the fact that the plague is largely attributed by the Legislative Council of Hong Kong to the prevalence of rats, will he say whether effect has been given to the Council's proposals to employ an English rat catcher; and, if so, with what result.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.The number of plague cases in Hong Kong was—For August, twenty; for September, twenty-two; for October, three; and one case occurred in each of the three months December, January, and March. I have urged upon the Colonial Government the necessity of destroying rats, and very large numbers have been killed; but no such proposal as that referred to by the hon. Member has been brought to my notice.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. I can only give attention to the matter if a formal requirement comes to me from the Government of Hong Kong. In that case the Crown agent will no doubt be able to supply any number of rat catchers.