HC Deb 24 March 1914 vol 60 cc181-2
29 and 32. Mr. ADAMSON

asked the Secretary for Scotland (l) whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed by the national health county insurance committee of Ayrshire condemning the public health authorities for their inactivity with regard to the administration of the sanitary provisions of the Public Health Acts; and, if so, what action he proposes to take; and (2) whether his attention has been drawn to the housing and sanitary conditions of the Ayrshire mining rows; and, if so, what action he proposes to take to compel the public health authorities concerned to effectively exercise their statutory rights for the removal of such a state of matters?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The attention of the Local Government Board for Scotland has been directed to the resolution mentioned, and they have communicated with each of the Landward local authorities in Ayrshire. These local authorities have all replied that the matter is being considered, and that they have instructed their sanitary officers or public health committee to report fully thereon. In these circumstances, the Board do not propose to take further action until the local authorities concerned have had reasonable opportunity of dealing with the question. The Board will, however, continue to keep the matter under careful observation.

Mr. BARNES

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of putting a limit upon the time?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Yes.