HC Deb 16 March 1949 vol 462 cc2097-8
26. Dr. Segal

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many unqualified medicine men are registered in any part of the Gold Coast whether they pay a graduated registration tax; and whether they are allowed to receive any capitation fees.

Mr. Rees-Williams

I have asked the Acting Governor for this information and will communicate with my hon. Friend when it has been received.

Dr. Segal

Could my hon. Friend obtain an assurance that none of these medicine men on the Gold Coast are in receipt of decapitation fees as well?

Mr. Oliver Stanley

Could the Under-Secretary tell the House, quite shortly, what is the difference between a qualified and an unqualified medicine man?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I think that question should be addresed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Under-Secretary aware that a large number of young men who come from the Colonies to this country to be trained as doctors never return; and will he do something to encourage these men to return to their own Colonies where they can be of assistance to the natives?

Mr. Rees-Williams

We always give them that encouragement, but sometimes, for some reason, they prefer to stay in this country.

Mr. Lipson

In view of the Under-Secretary's suggestion the question should be addressed to the Minister of Health, will he guarantee a courteous reply?

Mr. Sco11an

Are the unqualified medicine men referred to in the Question only unqualified to be members of the B.M.A.?