§ MR. HERBERT SAMUEL (Yorkshire, Cleveland)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is yet able to state the cause and extent of the outbreak of beri-beri among the Chinese coolies engaged for the Transvaal, and the methods adopted to prevent its spread.
§ MR. LYTTELTONLord Milner has telegraphed: "Tweeddale arrived with forty cases of beri-beri. Three deaths took place at sea from this cause, and five at Durban. Remaining cases were sent back to China at once in Tweeddale. Since arrival of labourers on Rand twenty-five cases have occurred, and one death from heart failure. All remaining cases isolated in lazaretto and likely to recover. Neither medical officers nor labourers themselves have smallest anxiety about this outbreak, and former express opinion that general health of this batch is surprisingly good. Full report on arrival, landing, and despatch of coolies will go to you by next mail and I will keep you fully informed as to their health."
§ MR. HERBERT SAMUELWill an inquiry be made into the cause of the outbreak?
§ MR. LYTTELTONThe hon. Member had better put that Question down. No doubt an inquiry has been made.
§ DR. MACNAMARA (Camberwell, N.)Will the right hon. Gentleman give us the date of the despatch of the telegram by Lord Milner, and the date of its receipt at the Colonial Office?
§ MR. LYTTELTONI deal with that in answer to another Question.
§ CAPTAIN NORTONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can state the date upon which the first Chinese coolies arrived at Durban; the date upon which the first case of beri-beri broke out, and what steps, if any, were taken to combat the disease; also, the date upon which he telegraphed to Lord Milner for information upon these matters; and what has been the result of his inquiry.
§ MR. LYTTELTONThe Tweeddale arrived at Durban on the 18th inst. I am not aware of the date on which the disease broke out, but only that three deaths took place at sea. I telegraphed to Lord Milner on the 23rd instant, but the telegram was written and settled on the 22nd, and I was informed that it was despatched on the morning of that day. 15 It was, however, by an accident not despatched till the 23rd. I again telegraphed to Lord Milner on the 25th and 27th. As to the other points referred to in the hon. and gallant Member's Question, I must refer him to the telegram which I have just read.
§ DR. MACNAMARAWhat was the date of the dispatch by Lord Milner of his telegram?
§ MR. LYTTELTONI saw it for the first time this morning. I believe it arrived last night, but I cannot say with certainty.
§ DR. MACNAMARAI will put another Question.