§ Mr. BROMFIELDasked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many cases of small-pox have been notified at Colombo during the past 10 years; how many deaths have occurred from that disease; and whether any of the cases or deaths have been in vaccinated or re-vaccinated persons?
§ Mr. AMERY629 cases of small-pox have been notified at Colombo during the period 1915–1924 inclusive, and 163 deaths have occurred. The available reports do not always particularise between vaccinated and unvaccinated cases, but of the 21 deaths which occurred in Colombo in 1920, the year in which there was by far the heaviest mortality since 1915, three occurred in children who had never been vaccinated, and 16 in cases showing no evidence of primary vaccination, though they were said to have been vaccinated in childhood. Of the 24 cases which occurred in Colombo in 1923, 14 had no visible marks of vaccination, and eight were unvaccinated. No further particulars are at present available, but if the hon. Member desires further information I will cause inquiry to be made.