46. Mr. David Adamsasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether, in view of the fact that the report of the Medical Research Council, 1936–37, quotes estimates to the effect that the direct financial loss clue to malaria in India alone amounts to between £23,000,000 and £50, 000,000 per annum, the indirect losses being still greater, and of the extreme importance of these losses, he will institute inquiries with a view to 31 supplying reliable information on this matter with reference to all important tropical diseases?
§ Earl WintertonThe Lord President is is advised that it would be extremely difficult to obtain figures of any real value for the economic loss due to different diseases in tropical territories. Estimates such as those quoted by the Medical Research Council are of necessity very rough and based on incomplete data. They are useful only as illustrating in a general way the magnitude of the problem. It would certainly be true to say that the losses due to diseases other than malaria are also enormous.
Mr. AdamsWill the Minister not agree that the matter is of such supreme importance that the information for which I am asking should be available to the House?
§ Earl WintertonThis is really a matter which falls to be dealt with by the various Colonial Governments throughout the Empire, and I think the hon. Gentleman will find a good deal of information if he applies to these Departments. The Medical Research Council is only concerned with the investigation of the matter here.
Mr. AdamsCan the information for which I have asked not be collated from these respective Departments and submitted for the information of the House?
§ Earl WintertonI shall be very glad to convey the hon. Gentleman's suggestion to the Lord President.