§ MR. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the prevalence of leprosy in Ceylon, and of the fact that the ordinances recently passed by the Legislative Council provide for the compulsory segregation of lepers in Ceylon, he will state what is the number of leper hospitals in Ceylon, and how many leper patients can be accommodated therein; and will he consider the advisability of making provision for these people by the erection of additional hospitals in isolated districts, with a view to enable the segregation of all lepers to be properly carried out if the present acommodation is insufficient.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Chamberlain.) There are two leper hospitals in Ceylon, 1207 and 312 leper patients can be accommodated in them. The leper ordinances do not require that lepers who can be otherwise properly isolated should be removed to a hospital, and I am not aware that the hospital accommodation is insufficient; but I will consult the Governor on the subject.