HC Deb 06 July 1909 vol 7 cc1014-5
Mr. WEIR

asked the Lord Advocate, in view of the fact that the medical officer for Ross and Cromarty in his last report states that the Stornoway Infectious Diseases Hospital is in urgent need of a water supply, will he state what action has been taken by the local authority in the matter, and when a suitable supply is likely to be available?

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)

While the water supply of this hospital might be improved, my hon. Friend must not infer that the local authority have not taken such action as is open to them, or that the hospital is without a fairly satisfactory supply. The local authority do all they possibly can to give a copious supply. The patients have never suffered from the want of water; and the hospital has a very good record to show in the number of recoveries of the patients treated. There are no residents in the hospital since May 21st last except the nurse and her assistant.

Mr. WEIR

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that people will not go into this hospital in consequence of its insanitary condition, and that they prefer to die in their own homes?

Mr. REES

Is not the death rate in the Lewis lower than that of Hampstead, the salubrious suburb in which the hon. Gentleman resides?

Mr. WEIR

I do not pay any attention to remarks of that kind.