§ 62. Mr. Sorensenasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many hospitals and clinics are available for West Africans in West Africa; how many in-patients and out-patients respectively are now receiving treatment; what 1811 is the total of medical, nursing and administrative staffs; how many of these are not of European but West African origin and are doctors, surgeons, matrons, sisters and nurses; and how many West Africans have been appointed to these posts during the past five and ten years, respectively?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Harold Macmillan)In order to compile the information asked for by my hon. Friend, it would be necessary to refer to every hospital, clinic and Native Administration dispensary throughout the four West African Dependencies. I regret that I do not feel justified in asking an already overburdened medical staff to provide this statistical data in present circumstances. I can assure my hon. Friend that it is the policy to employ African personnel wherever Africans with suitable training can be made available.
§ Mr. SorensenIn view of the fact that no trained African nurse has yet been appointed to a responsible position in any West African hospital, is it not desirable that some other arrangement should be ma de in order to assist the progressive development of the nursing service in West Africa, particularly in relation to West African personnel?
§ Mr. MacmillanIf the hon. Member will consult with me, I will do my best to get what information I can without causing unnecessary strain and delay.