MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that railway employees in West Africa are constantly stricken with fever through old and defective mosquito nets; and if he will give instructions that the nets in use shall be constantly reported on; and that any employee refusing or neglecting to use the same shall be liable to instant dismissal.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Lyttelton.) I am not in a position either to corroborate or to deny what the hon. Member alleges as to the causing of fevers. I cannot, however, undertake to direct the holding of inquisitions as to whether railway employees use their nets or not. These employees are adult skilled workmen, and must be regarded as having some personal intelligence and responsibility.