§ 26. Sir W. Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Overseas Development, whether she is aware that medical practitioners and others concerned with the treatment of leprosy are proscribing the use of the word "leper" in view of the fact that the odium associated with this word has done much to prevent the cooperation of communities concerned and hence the eradication of the disease; and whether she will give an assurance that this consideration is borne in mind by the staff of her Department in their dealings with medical aid.
§ Mr. OramI am aware that it has been suggested from time to time that lepers should be known by another name. As ray right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies has already pointed out, changes in the English words are not likely to have much significance among those communities where the disease is commonest. I believe that my Department's efforts should be devoted to helping to stamp out the disease rather than to trying to cloak it under another name.
§ Sir W. Bromley-DavenportIs the—[Interruption.] Is the Minister—[Interruption. ] Is the Minister aware—[Interruption.] On a point of order, Mr. Speaker——
§ Mr. SpeakerThere is no point of order, but the noise is delaying progress and must be less.
§ Sir W. Bromley-DavenportIs the Minister aware of the great distress that has been caused among the unfortunate sufferers of this disease by the moronic observations of the Prime Minister, and is not this typical of—[Interruption.] the Socialist Party?
§ Mr. OramI have watched the hon. and gallant Gentleman over a period of six weeks attempt to tackle—[HON. MEMBERS: "Answer."]—I am answering. I have watched him attempt to tackle three separate Ministers in order to make the point that he has now made. I had a lingering hope that he had a serious point to make in connection with this pathetic disease, but since he seeks merely to make a party political point, I would say to him that he appears to put too literal an interpretation on the remarks of my right hon. Friend. I have heard the hon. and gallant Member himself described in colourful terms which perhaps ought not to be taken too literally.