§ 41. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many beds and how many patients there are in the hospital at Aden; and whether he is satisfied that the staffing of the hospital is adequate.
Mr. Creech JonesThe Civil Hospital at Aden has 214 beds, an increase of 44 since before the war. The number of patients at the present time is 293, most of the surplus being accommodated in temporary cots. Owing to difficulties in obtaining staff, the staffing of the hospital is not, at present, up to its full strength, but 606 efforts are being made to remedy this state of affairs as soon as possible.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonWill my right hon. Friend consult with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air in order to ascertain whether doctors in the R.A.F. stationed in Aden could be used to assist in alleviating the dire shortage of staff?
Mr. Creech JonesYes, Sir, but the problem is still one of accommodation. We have a project for a new hospital in mind.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs it not true to say that this hospital, despite the increase in beds, is terribly overcrowded, and that the public health service needs overhauling? When shall we receive a report on the whole situation?
Mr. Creech JonesI am fully aware of the difficulties. We are discussing, at the moment, the construction of a new hospital. We hope to push on with that as rapidly as possible.
§ 42. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what educational provision is made for the native Jews and Indian inhabitants of Aden and, in particular, what secondary education is available for them.
Mr. Creech JonesLower secondary and primary education is available for Jews and Indians, equally with others in Aden, through the mediums of Hebrew, Gujarati, Urdu, English and Arabic in grant-aided schools, as well as through Arabic in Government Schools. Above this level, the final four years of secondary course to school certificate are taught through the medium of English only. Education at this level is provided in Government secondary schools for boys and in Government-aided mission schools for boys and girls, to all of which children of all races are eligible for admission. It is not possible to distinguish between native and immigrant Jews and Indians. Many Indians from Aden receive secondary education in India.