§ Mr. REESasked what steps had been taken under the agreement and protocol between England and Germany with regard to sleeping sickness to preserve Nyassaland from this disease?
§ The UNDER SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Colonel Seely)The Agreement in question related only to Uganda and German East Africa. So far as Nyassaland is concerned I am glad to say that the extensive investigations which are being made in that Protectorate have failed, up to the present time, to reveal the presence of the tse-tse fly which transmits the disease. These investigations will be continued, but there is good reason to hope that Nyassaland is not exposed to the risk of an epidemic similar 322 to that which has wrought such havoc in Uganda.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs it not a fact that this fly travels long distances? Has the hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that under this Agreement and Protocol sufficient steps have been taken to prevent its introduction into Nyassaland?
§ Colonel SEELYThe fly does not, I think, travel very far from its particular place. On the whole question I would refer the Noble Lord to the many reports which have been issued from the Colonial Office on the subject. We will do all we can in the matter; but there is not much fear at present of the disease spreading to Nyassaland.