HC Deb 09 May 1950 vol 475 cc36-7W
99. Mr. Mulley

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to avoid a recurrence of the epidemic of ringworm and other skin diseases which seriously affected the health and efficiency of the reinforcements in Hong Kong last summer; if he will ensure that this year there will be sufficient medical supplies to meet such an epidemic should it occur; and if he is aware of the unsatisfactory laundry facilities for the 40th Infantry Division and the need for a mobile laundry to be sent to Hong Kong.

105. Captain Duncan

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will specially examine the medical services of the Army in Hong Kong on his visit there.

Mr. Strachey

The repeated incidence of skin diseases in Hong Kong led to an investigation being made in 1948 by an Army Dermatological Research Unit. There is no shortage of medical supplies, but the local medical authorities, who are very much alive to this problem, have asked for more effective laundry arrangements, in consequence of which a laundry expert of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps was flown to Hong Kong in March. I hope to have an opportunity of examining the medical services in Hong Kong during my forthcoming visit.