HC Deb 07 July 1913 vol 55 cc22-3
43. Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the pressing needs of the Highlands and Islands for medical nursing and sanatorium treatment, and the recommendations of the Committee presided over by Sir John Dewar, and of the fact that these recommendations have been unanimously approved by the Scottish Liberal Members, he will state when he will introduce the Bill which he has promised, especially in view of the fact that it is stated the Bill will be non-controversial?

44. Mr. AINSWORTH

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the disappointment felt in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland that no practical effect has yet been given to, the recommendations of the Committee presided over by Sir John Dewar; and, seeing that the necessary money has been promised, will he say when the statutory authority to administer the Grant will be set up?

54. Mr. MUNRO

asked the Financial. Secretary to the Treasury whether, looking to the urgency of procuring money for medical service and nursing in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and, to that end, of giving statutory effect to the Dewar Report at the earliest possible moment, he can now state when the Bill providing the money and setting up the authority to administer it will be introduced?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The Bill is already in an advanced state of preparation, and will be introduced as soon as the exigencies of Parliamentary time permit. The Estimates presented to Parliament include a sum of £10,000 only in respect of the proposed Special Grant for the purpose of providing for special charges in respect of insured persons pending the setting up of the new machinery. A Supplementary Vote for the balance of the Grant will be required when the Bill has received the Royal Assent.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

May I ask, in view of the statement in Question No. 43, that the Bill will be non-controversial, whether the right hon. Gentleman has come to an agreement with the Secretary for Scotland on the full details of the Bill?

Mr. MASTERMAN

It is a Government Bill in every sense of the word, and is, I believe, non-controversial as between the two parties in the House.

Mr. CATHCART WASON

May I say—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] May I inform the right hon. Gentleman—[HON. MEMBERS: "NO."] May I direct the right hon. Gentleman's attention—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better try it in writing.