§ * MR. REES (Montgomery Boroughs)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the weekly number of deaths from sleeping sickness in Uganda; and whether the Government will take special measures to prevent the spread of this scourge southwards to Nyassaland.
§ THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. CHURCHILL,) Manchester, N.W.I regret that I am unable to give the information asked for in the first part of the hon. Member's Question. The (question of the measures to be taken to prevent the spread of sleeping sickness is not one for this Government alone, but for all the Governments in whose African possessions the disease unfortunately exists, and the only prospect of dealing with it effectively appears to be by international cooperation. The International Conference which met in London in June last has already taken some steps in this direction, and when it meets again in November next it is hoped that it will be possible to arrive at a definite agreement on the whole question of the investigation and control of the disease. I should, however, add that the problem of controlling an epidemic of this kind affecting vast areas in the heart of Africa is one which presents enormous difficulties, and that, while every exertion will be made, too much must not be expected, even from international co-operation.
§ * MR. REESIs it the case that the mortality is appalling, as to which information reaches me from trustworthy sources?
§ MR. CHURCHILLYes, it is very serious indeed.