HC Deb 18 June 1925 vol 185 cc809-10
Mr. MACLEAN

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that between 5th and 10th June 50 men were taken ill with acute diarrhœa at Ferrit Camp, Tulloch, Lochaber; whether he is aware that two telephone messages were sent from Ferrit Camp to the base camp at Fort William for transmission to the men's panel doctor who lives at Fort William, whether he is aware that these messages were not delivered; whether he is aware that the men had to telegraph on 12th June to their doctor asking him to come at once, and whether he car state what steps he is prepared to take to have a proper system of communication between the construction camp and Fort William, as the men evidently cannot rely on their messages being delivered when the company's telephone is used and a state of emergency arises?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)

I am at present in receipt of weekly reports on the camps in question. The latest report for week ending 12th June, mentions that an outbreak of diarrhœa took place during the week, possibly owing to one consignment of fish having suffered in transit during the recent hot weather. Six men were off work for periods of short duration, and a certain number of ambulant cases were also reported. I have no information with regard to the last part of the question, but am making inquiries and will communicate further with the hon. Member. I may add that there is now a medical officer in residence on the works who makes a daily visit to all camps.

Mr. MACLEAN

Is it not the case that the doctor who was on the works is the company's doctor and that the doctor they telephoned for or telegraphed for was the men's own panel doctor? Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether the men's panel doctor is not to be allowed to visit them when the men ask for him?

Sir J. GILMOUR

There is no question of the men's doctor not being allowed to visit them. My information is that he has not visited the camp for something like a week. I am making inquiries.

Mr. MACLEAN

Is it not the case that the men's doctor was telephoned for over the company's telephone, but that the message was not given to him?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have said that I have no knowledge on the matter. I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member.

Mr. MACLEAN

It is only fair to the men's doctor that I should pursue the matter further. The right hon. Gentleman has said that the doctor had not visited them for a week. Was it not the case that two telephone messages were sent through the company's telephone system, but were not delivered.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must put down any further questions.