§ 41. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in connection with the Highlands and Islands medical service, he has received a report on the air-ferries ambulance for the Western Isles; and whether he is going to meet this urgent need for the people in the Western Isles?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)This matter has been investigated, and arrangements are being made to give assistance from the Highlands and Islands (Medical Service) Fund in cases of need and emergency towards costs incurred on the hire of aeroplanes to remove persons from the Highlands and Islands to central hospitals. The Department of Health are also in communication with the county council of Argyll as to the possibility of organising such a service for any parts of the county, including the islands where conditions permit.
§ Mr. T. RAMSAYIs my hon. Friend aware that one of the reasons which actuated the late Socialist Government in evacuating the island of St. Kilda was the heavy cost of removing patients to the mainland; and is he also aware that the representations which have been made to the Scottish Office by the local people through their own representative, the Member for the Western Isles (Mr. T. Ramsay), has always been in the 359 direction of more efficient hospital service, with transport of patients to the mainland only in very exceptional circumstances?