§ 6 and 7. Mr. MOLTENOasked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) what is the sickness casualty rate among native carriers according to the latest information available; whether he can take any immediate steps to inquire into and ameliorate the conditions under which these men continue to perish in large numbers in East Africa; (2) whether he is aware of the allegations made in regard to the treatment of native carriers in East Africa, who are said to be dying in large numbers of dysentery, pneumonia, and enteric; whether he is aware that there is the gravest deficiency of blankets, clothing, and medical stores; that in one spot the carriers are, in consequence, dying at the rate of 20 per diem; that in another a hospital with 600 patients has no medical officer available; that in another camp of 9,000 no medical officer was attached; and whether he can 796 state what steps have been taken to make good the promises made of improved medical attention and supplies for these men?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe weekly admission to hospital rate among the native carriers is 1.4 per cent. of the total strength, and an average of 7.1 per cent. are constantly in hospital. The average number of deaths per week is 118. Of these, 27 per cent. are due to pneumonia, 19 per cent. to dysentery, 9 per cent. to cerebrospinal meningitis, and 7 per cent. to malaria. The Commander - in - Chief reports that there is no deficiency of blankets, clothing, or medical stores. No carrier camps of large size are without adequate medical supervision, and from the weekly death rate which I have given it will be seen that the daily death rate in any one camp could not be twenty, as is suggested. Since January the death rate has steadily decreased. The hospital accommodation for carriers is adequate, and fully staffed with medical officers and personnel. Everything possible is being done, and I can assure my hon. Friend that the Carriers are as well looked after as the troops.
§ Mr. MOLTENOCan the hon. Gentleman account for this very serious death rate?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI cannot very well add anything to the answer I have given.