HC Deb 13 December 1950 vol 482 cc1122-3
6. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what Colonies campaigns are being conducted with a view to the complete eradication of malaria.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Campaigns are in progress in Mauritius, the coastal belt of British Guiana, Tobago and a number of experimental areas in East and West Africa. In Cyprus steps are being taken to prevent re-importation of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, of which the island was declared free at the beginning of this year. The question of total eradication in hyper-endemic areas in Africa, with all its implications, was examined at the Malaria Conference held at Kampala from 27th November to 9th December under the joint auspices of the World Health Organisation and the Commission for Technical Co-operation in Africa south of the Sahara. This conference was attended by about 40 experts of international repute and the conclusions reached will be studied with great interest by colonial territories.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Have they considered concentrating on certain island areas which, apparently, could more easily be made proof against malaria?

Mr. Griffiths

I am awaiting the full report and when I have it I will be glad to have a word with the hon. Member about it.

Mr. Somerville Hastings

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether the small fish which eats the larvæ of the fly that spreads malaria has been introduced into any of these Colonies?

Mr. Griffiths

I should want notice of that, but we have had the assistance of the greatest experts in the world in dealing with the matter and I am sure that no possible way of combating malaria will have escaped their attention.

Mr. G. Beresford Craddock

Will the report of this conference be available to the House in due course?

Mr. Griffiths

I would like notice of that. I am not quite sure, because it was a committee of experts.