HC Deb 10 August 1916 vol 85 cc1344-5

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That a sum, not exceeding £42,135, be granted to His Majesty, to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the, year ending on the 3st day of March, 1917, for the Expenses of the Highlands and Islands (Medical Service) Board, and for a Grant in Aid of the Highlands and Islands Medical Service." [NOTE.—£2,000 has been voted on account.]

Mr. HOGGE

Could my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland tell us what is happening now with regard to the Highlands and Islands Medical Service since the district has been taken as a military area? Can he say whether that makes any difference to the expedition with which doctors and nurses can reach families in the Highlands, and that, although the military can close this area, it does not interfere with the usual medical service?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am not aware that it has interfered with the medical service, but, of course, the difficulty has been the withdrawal of a large number of doctors to the Service. That has made it more difficult to set up an efficient service, which it is hoped to set up, and undoubtedly in the end will be set up.

Question put, and agreed to.