HC Deb 02 May 1938 vol 335 cc490-1
4. Mr. David Adams

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that it is officially estimated that the financial loss suffered through malaria in India alone is between £23,000,000 and £50,000,000 per annum; and what steps are proposed to check this loss, which is closely connected with inadequate access to chemical compounds or with unduly high prices due to inadequate supplies?

Lord Stanley

I would remind the hon. Member that the control of the production, distribution and sale of quinine and allied alkaloids is now a matter for the Provincial Governments. The Central Advisory Board of Health have had the whole matter under consideration and passed a number of resolutions on the subject last June.

Mr. Adams

Am I to understand from that that no further steps have been taken beyond the resolutions, and is the Minister aware that a great deal of interest, on the lines I have indicated, is taken in the matter in the technical Press?

Lord Stanley

I will send the hon. Gentleman a copy of the resolutions, from which he can judge for himself.