§ Mr. E. Walkdenasked the Secretary of State for India what supplies of cholera vaccine, typhoid vaccine, mepacrine, sulphonamides and emetine intended for the civilian population have been received in India during 1941, 1942, 1943 and the first quarter of 1944; and what steps have the Government of India taken to ensure that these drugs are available to those suffering from disease in India.
§ Mr. AmeryIndia produces her own requirements of cholera and typhoid vaccine. Between 1st November, 1943, and 1st April, 1944, 6,900,000 cholera inoculations were given in Bengal. All the demands of the Government of India for mepacrine, sulphonamides and emetine for civil purposes have been met. Mepacrine is used in hospitals and dispensaries, thus releasing quinine for general use. Sulphonamides and emetine are similarly available in hospitals and dispensaries. They are also imported and sold through the trade. Prices are controlled under the Drugs Control Order, 1943. There have no doubt been difficulties of distribution in some places, but special measures have been taken to deal with them.