§ 57. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what provision exists on the Island of Dominica for health teaching about venereal disease.
§ Mr. ProfumoHealth teaching about venereal diseases is undertaken within the ambit of a yaws eradication project, on which W.H.O. and U.N.I.C.E.F. are assisting. This has been in operation for some years, and a start is being made under it to control venereal diseases.
§ 58. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the latest available figures for the incidence of venereal diseases and yaws in Dominica and Trinidad, respectively.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe 1955 incidences per thousand of population for venereal diseases and yaws respectively were about 5.5 and 17 in Dominica and 9 and 0.6 in Trinidad.
§ Mr. JonesThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that there are more than two and a half times as many persons in Dominica to each doctor as there are in any other British territory. How far does that contribute to an incidence of these diseases in Dominica much higher than is to be found in any other territory, and how far does the fact that the housing conditions of the majority of the people in Dominica are worse than are to be found in any other territory under the British Crown contribute to this result also? Is it not the fact that overcrowding and shocking housing are responsible for these health conditions?
§ Mr. ProfumoI should not wish to accept any of that contention. However, it happens that an important Minister from Dominica is here at the present time, and either my right hon. Friend or I will consult him on this matter.