§ Mr. C. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement upon the present state of health of the former inhabitants of Tristan da Cunha now in this country.
§ Mr. MaudlingBecause of their isolation from viruses in their previous life the islanders are as yet peculiarly susceptible to colds and influenza. This vulnerability is in some measure accentuated by the prevalence of asthma among them. Three elderly islanders have died and at present nearly all the islanders have colds and some are down with influenza and bronchitis, but there are no serious cases. Their health is118W being looked after by their own doctor who was working with them on Tristan and who came with them to Britain. He is working in co-operation with local doctors and the Medical Research Council who have arranged for detailed clinical investigations to be carried out under the guidance of eminent consultants.