§ 25. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in order to make adequate provision for assisting lepers, he will arrange for a census to be taken in all our Colonies of people suffering from this disease, of the number of hospitals treating them, and of the present supplies of the latest drugs, as a preliminary to taking further action to assist these sufferers.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAction to combat leprosy as well as other diseases is the responsibility of Colonial Governments, all of which have taken steps to assess the size of the problem in their own territories and to provide facilities for treatment to the limit of the resources at their disposal. I am always ready to afford them such aid and advice as I can, but I do not think that a census of the kind proposed is needed or would help the work forward. Fully adequate supplies of all modern drugs are available for the territories concerned.
§ Mr. AwberyWhile we fully appreciate what has been done in the past for these unfortunate people, is the Minister aware that there is still much more to be done? Thousands of sufferers are walking around in the towns of our Colonies. Is not the first step in getting rid of the disease the taking of a census? Will the right hon. Gentleman refer the matter to the United Nations organisations for them to use their powers in helping not only this country but colonial countries?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo, Sir. This is a matter involving very acute personal feelings. We are very anxious that patients should come forward voluntarily for treatment, and a census at this stage might well have a very adverse effect. There is no reason whatever why people suffering from the disease should be walking about the streets in any of our Colonies not knowing where they can go for treatment.