§ Sir R. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent Hong Kong was affected by the recent cholera epidemic in the Far East, and what steps were taken to control the outbreak.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe outbreak in Hong Kong lasted from the middle of August until 12th October, when the Colony was declared free of cholera. During that time 15 people died, out of a total of 129 cases confirmed in the Colony. On 14th August, the Hong Kong Government introduced quarantine restrictions on entry from the mainland and organised an immediate mass immunisation campaign. By the end of August about 2 million people had been inoculated.
Her Majesty's Government have decided to bear all costs of the vaccine sent through official channels from this country to Hong Kong during the outbreak. A sum of £2,369 will be advanced from the Civil Contingencies Fund to meet these costs. Provision will be made in the Spring Supplementary Estimates to repay the Fund.