§ Mr. NIELDasked whether large areas of country in Rhodesia have been infected by the malady known as sleeping sickness, and have been declared proscribed areas; whether, in such areas, all cultivation and other work has been suspended; and, if so, what organised effort is being made, and by whom, to stamp out the disease and destroy the cause of infection?
Mr. HARCOURTYes, Sir; considerable areas in the Luapula and Luangwas Valleys have been declared sleeping sickness areas. I do not think that cultivation is necessarily suspended, though it is necessary sometimes to clear areas near the rivers and the disease is a most serious hindrance to ordinary life and industry. Travelling is forbidden without1690W permits, villages have been removed at the expense of the Government, and the British South Africa Company is taking various other measures in co-operation with the Belgian authorities for dealing with the sickness. The company has strengthened its medical staff, and is now sending out a special commission of investigation with a scientific staff and a fully equipped laboratory.
§ Mr. NIELDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information as to the destitution caused among the colonists and natives of Rhodesia consequent upon the prevalence of sleeping sickness over large areas, which have been proscribed; whether any, and what, steps have been, or will be, taken to afford relief where necessary, and by whom; and whether there is adequate medical assistance to grapple with the known cases and to enforce precautions against the spread of the disease?
Mr. HARCOURTI am not aware of any special destitution, certainly not among the Europeans, of whom there are very few in North-Eastern Rhodesia. But the prevalence of this terrible disease must necessarily cause suffering among the populations affected. In reply to another question I am indicating the measures taken by the British South Africa Company, which is responsible for the Government of the country, to grapple with the disease.