HC Deb 28 June 1906 vol 159 cc1123-4
MR. CATHCART WASON

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary for the Colonies if he is aware of the fact that sleeping sickness has almost depopulated the islands in Lake Victoria; that recently a forest concession has been granted of a largo island there; and if, in order to save natives from risk of death from employment on the concession, and to prevent the spreading still further of the disease, stringent instructions will be transmitted to the Commissioner.

MR. CHURCHILL

It is lamentably true that sleeping sickness is rife on Lake Victoria, though I cannot say whether any islands have been actually depopulated. No report of the concession referred to by my hon. friend has yet been received.

MR. CATHCART WASON

Will this fact be borne in mind before further concessions are granted, seeing that such grants only mean sending the natives to their death?

MR. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir, that will be most carefully considered.