§ 22. Dr. Segalasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that many of the medical records now being kept in the Bush dispensaries of West Africa are of negligible scientific value; and whether all nurses and dispensers will in future be trained in the proper card indexing of clinical material.
Mr. Creech JonesI am advised that the records kept in West African bush dispensaries are not of negligible scientific value. As regards the last part of the Question, the importance of subordinate staff being trained to keep as good records as possible is appreciated by the medical authorities in West Africa.
§ Dr. SegalIs my right hon. Friend aware that in some parts of our West African territories these dispensaries bring the whole medical facilities into disrepute; and does he not agree that it is far better to have a small number of patients completely cured than to have a large number of patients totally inadequately treated.
Mr. Creech JonesThat is a completely different Question regarding the medical policy in West Africa.