HC Deb 07 August 1911 vol 29 cc929-30W
Mr. LLOYD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether cases of sleeping sickness have recently been reported in Angoniland, on the southwestern arm of Lake Nyassa, in proximity to the Government game reserve; whether twenty-two cases have occurred in the last six months in the Protectorate; and, if so, what special measures have been and are being taken to safeguard Nyassaland?

Mr. HARCOURT

Three cases of sleeping sickness have recently been reported on the south-western arms of Lake Nyassa, in proximity to the Government game reserve. Fresh cases are being continually discovered, and I am unable to give the exact number for the last six months, but fifty-four cases in all have been reported to me. An account of the measures which are being taken will be found in the Sleeping Sickness Diary of the Protectorate, Part XIV., a copy of which I will send to the hon. Member. The hon. Member is probably aware that I have sent to Nyassaland a well-equipped scientific expedition, under the leadership of the distinguished expert, Sir David Bruce and the general direction of the Royal Society, to investigate the relation between the African fauna and the trypanosome diseases of men and animals. Some of the members of the Commission have already sailed, and the rest will follow in about three months, when the laboratory and dwelling-houses will be approaching completion.