MR. CATHCART WASONI beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware of the fact that the Congested Districts Board are precluded from in any way assisting the poor people of the Highlands and Islands in respect of medical and nursing assistance; that there are islands and districts far distant from any possible medical and nursing assistance; and whether, in view of the fact that the position of the Congested Districts Board is now under consideration, he will consider the desirability of extending their powers or the powers of any body that may succeed them.
§ MR. SINCLAIRMy hon. friend is correct in stating that the existing powers of the Board as conferred by Parliament do not extend to the purposes referred to. I am aware that the resources of the authorities responsible for public health in certain districts are slender, but I do not think that extension of powers to the Congested Districts Board is the best way of meeting the difficulty.