§ 2. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies approximately how many Yemenis are now resident in Aden Colony: what is the annual influx of Yemenis into the Colony; how many Yemenis are out-patients at Aden hospitals or clinics and how many are inpatients; the number respectively of Yemeni and non-Yemeni young women who are Aden hospital nurses or student nurses; and whether Yemenis are permitted to settle in the Protectorates.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Hugh Fraser)Approximately 80,000. The numbers coming in and going out annually are unknown, since there is no immigration control. No statistics are kept of outpatients by nationality. It is estimated that approximately 30 per cent. of inpatients are Yemenis. There are no Yemeni nurses or student nurses. Non-Yemeni female nursing staff totals 201. The answer to the final point is "Yes". 800 I apologise for the portmanteau method of reply, but it was a portmanteau Question.
§ Mr. SorensenIn view of the shortage of nurses and the large number of Yemenis who take advantage of hospital service in Aden, has anything been done to suggest to the Crown Prince or the Imam that more women in that area might be trained at Aden hospitals? Can the hon. Gentleman also say what steps are being taken to secure more Adenese women for this purpose?
§ Mr. FraserI should like to look into that. At the moment the nursing staff tends to be male rather than female. This is because of local conditions. I will certainly bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has said.
§ Dr. StrossCan the Minister tell us whether there is a sufficient number of beds for the treatment of tuberculosis in Aden? Does he remember that about ten years ago there was a great improvement both in the scope for treating the disease and in the quality of treatment? Has this improvement been maintained?
§ Mr. FraserIf the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question I shall be happy to answer it.