asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps it is proposed to take to fight against the present epidemic of malaria in Ceylon and to deal with the threatened food shortage?

The Governor has informed me that the medical department took prompt steps to deal with the outbreak of malaria in November last, which was at its worst in January and since then has been on the decline. Such steps as are practicable are being taken against a recrudescence, and arrangements are being made for the visit in the near future of an officer specially experienced in malariological work to investigate the outbreak and advise on the situation. The State Council have appointed a special commissioner to co-ordinate relief measures. They have voted Rs. 1,500,000, apart from sums for medical and other measures, to be administered by him for the relief of distress caused by the outbreak and the food shortage. The organisation of the Ceylon medical department for the distribution of quinine and for the pro- vision of facilities or treatment has been commended by an expert in tropical medicine who recently visited Ceylon.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether that expert has made any report which is available to the public?

Yes, Sir. There is a very good account of Dr. Wigglesworth's lecture published in the British Medical Journal of 23rd March.