§ 28. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the pressing need, he will consider a greater expansion of West African medical services by 1951 and after than is at present contemplated.
Mr. Creech JonesThe expansions of the medical services in the West African Colonies envisaged for the next 10 years are already considerable. Nigeria, for example, is devoting nearly £9,000,000 under its £55,000,000 development plan to these services, and by 1956 will have more than doubled its present annual expenditure of nearly £1,000,000. The number of hospital beds will be multiplied 2½ times 1374 and the medical staff trebled. In addition, over £8,000,000 is to be spent on improved water supplies, and that should have a marked effect on the health of the people. In proportion to its resources, Sierra Leone proposes expenditure of a similar order; and although the plans for the Gold Coast and Gambia are not yet final, they too provide for substantial expansion.
I have constantly in mind the pressing need to which my hon. Friend refers, but having regard to the limitation of the available resources, and the need of other equally essential services, I do not think it would be wise to contemplate further expansions unless the future revenues of the territories concerned turn out to exceed our expectations.
§ Mr. SorensenWhilst the statement made by the Minister will undoubtedly give great satisfaction, is he aware that in fact it still leaves a very great deal to be done, and can he give any indication of the possibility of a new review of the situation in, say, a year or so's time?
Mr. Creech JonesWe are aware of the limitations, due obviously to the inadequate finances, but the problem is under continuous review. Indeed, it is under review at the present moment, because the ten-year plans are being considered in the Colonial Office.
§ Mr. JannerWould the Minister say whether any additional grants are being given for the purpose of native students being trained in this country, so that they will be able to take up medical positions in West Africa?
Mr. Creech JonesYes, Sir, a great deal of additional money is available for scholarships. Over and above that, we are almost immediately laying the foundations of a medical school in Nigeria.
§ Mr. John LewisWould my right hon. Friend say if any steps are being taken to increase the production of drugs and pharmaceutical products, which are in short supply at the moment?
Mr. Creech JonesMy information is that as far as the African territories are concerned their supplies at the moment are ample.
§ Mr. SorensenCould the Minister say whether efforts are being made to bring over here a large number of African girls to be trained as nurses in the hospitals?
Mr. Creech JonesThat problem is under consideration. We have recently appointed a woman adviser on the whole problem of nursing.