§ 74. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the incidence of blindness in Nigeria and the Gold Coast, respectively; and what special measures are being taken in these Colonies to check this disease.
Mr. DugdaleThere are no reliable figures for the incidence of blindness in224W Nigeria and the Gold Coast but the British Empire Society for the Blind estimate that the blind population of the four British West African Territories is at least 300,000.
That Society propose to undertake shortly, with the help of the colonial Governments, an ophthalmological survey of the northern areas of the Gold Coast and Nigeria, and the Cameroons. The object will be to ascertain the extent and causes of blindness in the areas concerned, and to recommend measures for prevention and treatment.