§ 39 and 40. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what protection for the feet from the wet and polluted soil to prevent hookworm penetrating the skin is provided in Trinidad; and what steps he is taking to combat this disease from which such a large proportion of the workers is suffering; (2) how many of the 21,668 cases of hookworm in the Trinidad sugar area in 1949 were under 12 years of age; and how many of the industrial workers suffering from this disease received compensation from their employers during the period of their incapacity from work.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI am consulting the Governor with regard to these two Questions, and will communicate with my hon. Friend on the receipt of his reply.
§ Mr. AwberyIn view of the very high incidence of this disease among industrial workers, will the Minister take the matter up with the local authorities with a view to providing boots for those who are unable to provide their own, and also take steps to bring this disease within the scope of workmen's compensation?
§ Mr. GriffithsI am awaiting the report of the Governor. As my hon. Friend well knows, I am not without experience in these matters.