§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAYI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the inhabitants of St. Helena, numbering about 5,000, have only one medical man to attend to their needs, he will consider the advisability of appointing an assistant Colonial surgeon.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe number of inhabitants of St. Helena at the last census in May, 1901, was 3,342, not 5,000, and there is reason to believe that the number has been reduced since that date. The question of appointing an assistant Colonial surgeon has been considered on several occasions, but it has not been found advisable to do so. There is an official hospital, with a staff of trained nurses, to supplement the services of the Colonial surgeon.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the doctor now in charge has met with an accident and that the people are consequently doctorless?
§ MR. CHURCHILLI have not heard that.