HC Deb 02 March 1955 vol 537 c267W
Mr. Alport

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress is being made in combating river blindness on the Volta.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Entomological research undertaken by the British Empire Society for the Blind in the Volta region, as part of their West African Survey, is nearing completion. This is expected to lead to recommendations for insecticidal campaigns in inhabited areas of the Upper Volta, along the tributary and subsidiary streams where the incidence of river blindness is higher than along the Volta itself.

As regards the lower Volta, the special measures which may be required if it is decided to embark upon the Volta River hydro-electric project have been studied by the Preparatory Commission for that project, and will be included in its report. Meanwhile, substantial progress is being made by Government medical field units in the treatment of sufferers.