§ Lieut. - Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the economic development of the West Indian Colonies is severely handicapped by the prevalence of disease and the high rate of mortality; and what steps are being taken to develop health services adequate to the needs of the communities concerned?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI am aware that the incidence of disease and the rates of mortality in some of the West Indian Colonies are capable of considerable reduction with great economic advantage. The Colonial Governments have given much attention lately to medical and sanitary matters; several have appointed committees of inquiry, and several have lately reorganised their public health services. In this work the Colonies are hampered by commercial depression and by the indifference of sections of the public which do not yet fully realise the profound importance of domestic sanitation from the economic and social points of view. As pointed out in my predecessor's report, co-operation of all sections of the community with the public health authorities is essential to progress.