HC Deb 12 October 1943 vol 392 cc744-5W
Major Lyons

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the ratio of population to publicly owned hospital beds available for African men, women and children in Uganda, Kenya, Tanganyika, Nyassaland and Northern Rhodesia, respectively?

Mr. Emrys-Evans

As the available information is not up to date, Governors are being asked to supply the figures which will be communicated to the hon. and gallant Member when they are received.

Major Lyons

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what is the ratio of population to publicly owned hospital beds available for African men, women and children in Bechuanaland, Basutoland and Swaziland, respectively?

Mr. Emrys-Evans

The numbers of beds available for Africans in Government hospitals in the High Commission Territories are: Basutoland 254, the Bechuanaland Protectorate 128 and Swaziland 44. The ratio of beds to population is 1: 2,600 in Basutoland, 1: 2,076 in the Bechuanaland Protectorate and 1: 3,483 in Swaziland. If the beds available in the mission hospitals, most of which are Government grant aided, are included, the ratios are 1: 2,000, 1: 1,067 and 1: 1,783 respectively. Plans for the further development of the medical services in the three Territories, to be undertaken as soon as conditions allow, are under active consideration.