HC Deb 20 April 1955 vol 540 cc173-4
17. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reduction there was this year in the estimates for the medical and health department of Hong Kong; what was the reduction in the Vote for malaria control; and what was the reason for such reductions.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

There have been no such reductions. The total medical department estimates for the year 1955–56 show an increase of 2 million dollars as compared with 1954–55, while the malaria control sub-head shows an increase of 12,000 dollars as compared with 1954–55.

Mr. Rankin

While expressing my pleasure that there is no reduction, may I ask the Minister to give very careful thought to malaria control? Is he aware that, owing to the influx of people from the mainland, the fact that trade has been cut by the embargo and the fact that there is no Welfare State there, malaria control is of great importance to Hong Kong?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Of course I am aware of the fact that the problems of the Governor and Government of Hong Kong have been enormously increased by the refugee population. If the hon. Gentleman suggests that the restrictions on trade are due to American action alone, that is wrong, because it is the united decision of many nations of the free world to cut down the sale of strategic materials to China. I am fully conscious of the need to ensure that the malaria control Vote in Hong Kong is not diminished. Not only is more money being spent, but the revised estimate for the forthcoming year is actually more than the original estimate.

Mr. Braine

In order to get the Question into proper perspective, is it not a fact that not only in Hong Kong but in other Colonial Territories the campaign against malaria is one of the brightest achievements in the Colonial Empire and that in some places malaria has been completely eradicated in recent years?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

That is true.