HC Deb 08 July 1907 vol 177 cc1165-6
MR. WEIR

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland, in view of the fact that it is upwards of two years since Dr. Dittmar. the medical inspector for the Local Government Board for Scotland, reported the sanitary condition of the Island of Lewis as dangerous to the public health, and that the Board are unable to give effect to Dr. Dittmar's recommendation for lack of funds, will he state whether the Treasury has been approached on the subject; and, if so, with what result.

I beg also to ask the Secretary for Scotland, in view of the fact that the Local Government Board for Scotland, in their Report published last year, stated that the present condition of affairs in the Island of Lewis cannot be allowed to continue, and that it is essential that there should be in the district a proper staff consisting of a medical officer of health, and at least one sanitary in- spector, giving their whole time to their duties, will he state whether he can now arrange to take action in regard to this recommendation without further delay, especially bearing in mind that it is upwards of two years since the Local Government Board for Scotland received from their medical inspector, Dr. Dittmar, a Report calling attention to the deplorable sanitary condition of the townships in the island.

MR. SINCLAIR

As my hon. friend is aware, the local authority is raising and expending the full amount of its rate. I desire, if possible, to find means to enable it to do more. But this is not an easy problem. And at present I have nothing to add to my reply of 11th March.?? The whole subject is having my close attention.

MR. WEIR

Has the Treasury been approached on the subject of funds?

MR. SINCLAIR

Various proposals have been discussed, but there is no definite proposal before the Treasury.

*MR. REES (Montgomery Boroughs)

. With reference to the highly insanitary character attributed by the hon. Member to his own constituency, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman the President of the Local Government Board if he will consider the propriety of lending to the county council of Ross-shire the services of the medical officer of the district of Colwyn Bay?

[No Answer was returned.]