§ 20. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give details of the arrangements now in force for a surgeon to visit St. Helena; and what provisions exist for dealing with an emergency case needing immediate surgical treatment.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodArrangements are being made by the Governor for a surgeon to visit St. Helena as soon as practicable. While recognising that the present situation cannot be accepted for an indefinite period, I am satisfied that the Medical Officer in St. Helena has sufficient experience of surgery to enable him to deal with such emergencies as might arise.
§ Mr. HughesCan the right hon. Gentleman say how long it takes an experienced surgeon to get to St. Helena?
§ Mr. MacleodI suppose it depends on how he travels. Offhand I do not know the answer, but I will find out.
§ Mr. HughesIs it not the case that he takes four or five days to get there?
§ Mr. MacleodThat might well be so. The surgeon that I have in mind is in practice at Cape Town.