§ 74. Mr. HIGHAMasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any information as to the closing of the port of Lagos, on the West Coast of Africa; if so, whether such closing is likely to be prolonged; how many cases of yellow fever have been reported; and whether the medical officer apprehends any serious condition of affairs consequent on the cases reported?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)Two cases of yellow fever have occurred in Lagos within the last ten days, and the port has in consequence been declared infected; but I have no reason to suppose that it has been closed to shipping. The port will probably not be declared free from infection until eighteen days have elapsed from the isolation, death or recovery of the last suspected case. No case has been notified to me since the 21st instant, and judging from the information that I have received there is no reason whatever to anticipate a serious outbreak.
§ Mr. HIGHAMHave either of the cases been those of Europeans?
§ Mr. HARCOURTI am not sure. Perhaps the hon. Member will give notice of the question.