§ 7.30 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF CORK AND ORRERY had given Notice that he would ask. His Majesty's Government what proportion of civilian repatriates who have been prisoners in Japanese hands are suffering, or have suffered, from tropical diseases; whether ample suitable hospital accommodation and expert treatment are available for such cases, and if not, whether everything possible is being done, and all priorities being granted by the Ministries concerned, for the preparation of such accommodation as can readily be made available.
§ The noble Earl said: My Lords, I beg to ask the question standing in my name.
§ LORD AMMONMy Lords, the majority of the more severely sick have 1146 been detained for treatment before repatriation. What information we have indicates that, although in some camps the great majority of civilian prisoners in Japanese hands had at some time suffered 'from malaria and hookworm, and perhaps 20 per cent. have suffered from amœbic dysentery, in other camps a comparatively small proportion have been infected. Provision has been made by the Emergency Hospital Service for those who require expert treatment after they reach this country. So far the number of civilians needing treatment in these hospitals is only about eighteen. Three hundred and eighty beds are available in Tropical Diseases Units of the Emergency Hospital Service and if necessary the facilities for dealing with tropical diseases can be extended. Treatment for repatriates by the Emergency Hospital Service is provided free of charge.
THE EARL OF CORK AND ORRERYMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his answer and I do not propose to make any remarks. I hoped to interest the House in this question and I hope the Government are not too complacent about it. I cannot help thinking that the Government are complacent. An E.M.S. hospital is not a tropical diseases hospital. The danger arises, I am told, not now but when these men return home and have to face an English winter. They have got the disease in them. I do not wish to go on now; there is no one to talk to. I thank the noble Lord for his reply.