§ Mr. ALFRED KINGasked the Undersecretary for India whether the Indian Government still adhere to the theory that plague in man is due to bites of infected rat fleas; and, if they do not, what theory are they now acting on, and have they made such changes in their administration as are necessary to meet the new situation?
The MASTER of ELIBANKThe connection between bubonic plague in man and plague in rats is well established, and rat destruction continues to hold a prominent place among the preventive measures adopted by the Government of India. As I have already stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for the Montgomery District, the steps taken to prevent plague have been published through the Moral and Material Progress Report and other publications. Besides these special measures, the Government of India are now considering an important scheme for the improvement of the sanitary service.
§ Mr. KINGHas the hon. Gentleman seen the statement in the public Press to the effect that the rat-flea theory is entirely disproved.
The MASTER of ELIBANKI have not seen the statement to which the hon. Member refers. A well-known medical authority who has taken up an independent attitude on this question does not generally agree that this theory has been disproved.
§ Mr. REESIs it not a fact that the plague has now very greatly abated, and that there is a fair hope of its disappearance?
§ Mr. ARTHUR LYNCHWill the hon. Gentleman agree to having a Paper printed and circulated upon this question of infection by rat-fleas in India?
Captain CRAIGHas the President of the Board of Trade been consulted on this question of infection being carried by rats?