§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that the Universities Mission to Central Africa has been frustrated in the treatment of leprosy by the lack of essential drugs from India, which are held up by shipping restrictions, resulting last year in the closure for from four to seven months of all centres conducted by the mission for treatment, with serious consequences for large numbers of patients; and whether he will take steps to relieve this position?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI understand the drug in question is hydnocarpus oil supplies of which have hitherto been obtained by the mission from local medical officers in Tanganyika Territory. Recent inquiries addressed to Tanganyika Territory show that supplies of this oil are being received from India and are now adequate. I746W have no information in support of the suggestion that the difficulties last year were due to shipping.