HC Deb 21 July 1914 vol 65 cc249-50
28. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the wireless installation at St. Kilda is out of use; whether the Postmaster-General is prepared to seek the authority of the Treasury for taking it over subject to a guarantee to cover the whole net cost for ten years; and whether there is any likelihood of the Board of Agriculture, in carrying out the work of the late Congested Districts Board, guaranteeing this amount or, alternatively, the Highlands and Islands Medical Committee?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am informed by the Postmaster-General that the facts are as stated in the first two portions of the question. The Highlands and Islands Medical Service Board are maintaining a nurse in the island, and they do not consider that any further part of their funds should be applied towards the cost of the wireless installation. The Board of Agriculture are not prepared to give, the guarantee in question.

Mr. HOGGE

Is it not the case that the Board of Agriculture are now continuing the work of the Congested Districts Board, and is it not the case that the Congested Districts Board gave advances for similar purposes, though not for wireless?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Yes, for similar purposes, but not precisely on the same lines.