§ 3. Mr. LEACHasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received any information with regard to smallpox outbreaks in India; and whether the outbreaks this year have been heavier than is usual at this period?
§ Mr. BUTLERThere has recently been an acute epidemic of smallpox in Bengal. Complete up-to-date figures for the Province as a whole are not yet available, but in Calcutta 1,558 deaths from smallpox have occurred this year up to 7th March. This is greater than the average of recent years, but the disease comes in waves at irregular intervals.
§ Miss WILKINSONIn view of this increased rate of smallpox, could the hon. Gentleman arrange for a greater proportion of the taxes to be spent on the native quarters? So little is being done for them and so much for the others.
§ Mr. BUTLERThe local government have full responsibility in this matter, and I think they are to be relied upon to take all possible precautions, including that to which the hon. Lady refers.