§ 17. Sir HILDRED CARLILEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the circumstances connected with the outbreak of small-pox at Mombasa, in East Africa, and the official health measures which entailed a serious agitation among the native population?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)I am not aware that there has been an outbreak of small-pox at Mombasa. An outbreak of 1245 plague was reported on the 10th of October. I am assured that all precautions are being taken, but I have heard nothing of the agitation to which the hon. Member refers. The disease is stated to be pneumonic or septicaemic in character, and according to the latest report there have been sixteen cases and fifteen deaths.
§ Sir H. CARLILEWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to the outbreak of small-pox?
§ Mr. HARCOURTIf the hon. Gentleman thinks it is desirable I will make the inquiry, but I feel sure, if there had been an outbreak, I should have heard of it.
§ Mr. T. E. HARVEYWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the housing conditions of the natives with a view to seeing if any steps can be taken to prevent any such outbreak in future?
§ Mr. HARCOURTYes, Sir.