§ Mr. C. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to provide an adequate medical and surgical service for St. Helena; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. MacleodSt. Helena has a well equipped hospital and two medical officers are normally stationed on the island for the care of the population.
Unfortunately, when the Medical Officer who dealt with surgical cases was invalided last year it proved difficult to recruit a permanent successor for him. Two temporary appointments were made in succession, the second of which expired recently. At the moment there is only one doctor, who wishes to retire when a replacement is available on the island, but I am in touch with two suitable doctors and I hope that they will leave for St. Helena shortly.