§ 25. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the death rate, birth rate, and infantile mortality rate among the Indian natives on the Ceylon tea plantations?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreFor 1936 the death rate among Indian natives on Ceylon estates was 19.4 per 1,000 of the mean population, the birth rate 37.9, and the infant mortality rate 172 per 1,000 births.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with these conditions, and can he not initiate or encourage some action to reduce this rather drastic rate of mortality?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI think the rate of mortality is not very high, seeing that it is a tropical country. The birth rate is double the mortality rate. This is entirely a matter within the province of the responsible Minister of Health and the Ceylon Legislature. I have no power to take any action.
§ Mr. SorensenDo I understand that the right hon. Gentleman has no power even to encourage or make suggestions to the Ceylonese?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreNo, Sir. The Ceylonese Minister of Health is responsible for this matter under the Ceylon Constitution.
§ Mr. SorensenDo I understand that the right hon. Gentleman has never given advice to the Ceylonese Government?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreYes, Sir, frequently on matters within my province under the Constitution, but agriculture, health and matters of that sort, under the Constitution, are definitely the responsibility of the Ceylonese Ministers.
§ Mr. SorensenIs this not a matter of health?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreYes, Sir. It is definitely part of the duties of the responsible Minister of Health in Ceylon.