§ 16. Mr. CECIL WILSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, in tile course of an inquiry in 1905 into the high death rate in Singapore, it was pointed out that one-fifth of the population was permanently on the sick list and that much of the death and sickness was preventible; and can he state what has been done since that time to improve housing and sanitary conditions and what amount of money has been spent on such improvements?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI am calling on the Governor to supply a comprehensive report on the points raised in this question and will communicate further with the hon. Member as soon as it is received.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the hon. Gentleman send this report to the Admiralty also when it is received?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI have no doubt that both the Admiralty and the War Office will receive a copy.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAnd the Air Ministry.
§ 17. Mr. C. WILSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in 1917 a Commission was appointed to inquire into the cause of the then housing difficulties in Singapore and the steps that should be taken to remedy such difficulties, arid that the Commission stated in emphatic terms their opinion that a very great deal of the housing difficulty has been caused by the failure of Europeans to house their assistants, and expressed the view that an official declaration by the Government of its opinion on this point would have some result; whether any action was taken, and, if so, what; and whether it has had any effect?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe answer to the first part of the question is in the 14 affirmative. As regards the second and third parts, I will call upon the Governor for a report.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill not this housing shortage shortly be removed by the Government buildings to be put up at Singapore?