HC Deb 02 July 1947 vol 439 cc1305-6
37. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the serious condition of the sewerage at the R.A.F, station, Worli, India, where the sewage is constantly bubbling up through the manholes and spreading over the camp ground; and whether he will issue instructions for it to be torn up and relaid.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

I have received a report on the sewage system at Worli from the R.A.F, authorities in India who are responsible for hygiene. While they consider that the system is generally sound, they say that there may sometimes be an overflow, and that there is a danger of flooding during the monsoon. At such times, a special squad is detailed to inspect the drains.

I agree with the hon. Member in thinking that it is most important, in an area where typhoid is endemic, that the sewage system should leave nothing to be desired. I am, therefore, asking the Command to find out whether the drains at Worli are peculiarly liable to overflow, and if so, to carry out the necessary works.

Mr. Gallacher

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask if he is aware that a friend of my own who is at that camp tells me that he and his associates go about in fear and trembling because they never know when they are going to be struck down by disease?

Mr. Noel-Baker

My hon. Friend has another Question, to which I will make a further answer in a moment.

Mr. Berry

What provision is made for chlorination of the mains to prevent, or to help to prevent, the possibility of typhoid?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I am about to say on Question No. 38.

38. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that there were, 36 cases of typhoid, of whom six died, in Worli Camp, Bombay, in 1946; that this year there are a further six cases of typhoid to date; and what steps are being taken to prevent the contamination of the water supply of the camp which is the alleged source of infection.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

In 1946, there were 32 cases of typhoid at Worli Camp; this year there have been 11 cases. In 1946 one man died; on grounds of conscience, he had refused inoculation. As soon as the water supply was found to be infected, all drinking water was chlorinated in mobile tanks. New mains were installed last December, and analysis has shown that the water is now free from all infection, but as an additional precaution, the mobile tanks are still in use