asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the 21 iron lungs available in West African hospitals, most of which are never used, whether it is possible to secure an exchange of most of these for X-ray or other apparatus more likely to be of use to West African patients; and to what purpose a few of the iron lungs have been put when occasionally used.

Some if not all, of these iron lungs were a gift from Lord Nuffield and, although rarely used, it is desirable that such equipment should be available. However, I will take up my hon. Friend's questions with the West African Governors and will let him have a further reply in due course.