§ 62. Major Carverasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any action is being taken to combat leprosy in Uganda, where this disease is reported to be on the increase; and if he will induce the administration there to go more fully into the matter and have a compulsory segregation of patients and so endeavour to stop the spread of this malignant disease?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)The most recent reports of the Medical Department of Uganda do not, I am glad to say, bear out the opinion that leprosy is increasing in Uganda. The Government has established leper colonies, which are looked after by missionary societies on behalf of Government, and provides treatment for all who are willing to attend. It is not considered that compulsory segregation of lepers would be effective in checking the disease, since wide concealment would almost certainly result. The administration is fully alive to the importance of taking all practicable measures for the control of the disease.