§ Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the Government of Trinidad relies on private employers and companies to provide hospital facilities for their employees; and whether the Government exercises any control or supervision over hospitals provided by private employers?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansWhile the Government of Trinidad maintains Colonial hospitals as well as district and emergency hospitals, the duty of providing medical services in the case of estate labour is largely regarded as devolving on the employer. A hospital with arrangements for medical attention is provided on many estates, with, in some instances, a maternity ward for labourers' wives. Other estates rely on the services of the Health Department. The question of defining the liability of the employer in respect of the provision of hospital facilities is one that the Government of Trinidad intends to consider. As regards the last part of the Question, the Health Department has the usual power of inspection over hospitals provided by private employers accorded by the Public Health Ordinance in regard to any premises.