22. M. THOMAS RAMSAYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the mileage of footpaths in the various crofting townships of the Outer Hebrides; and when, and how, the Government propose to widen these footpaths into roads suitable for vehicular traffic, so that the people existing in these distressed areas may be able to convey their sick, their dead, their food, and the necessities of home and croft according to their needs?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI regret that information is not available as to the mileage of the footpaths referred to in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, the conversion of footpaths into roads suitable for vehicular traffic is a matter for the county councils concerned.
Mr. RAMSAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that deaths from appendicitis and peritonitis have occurred in these areas where vehicles could not go; that the people living in these areas have to carry all their household and crofting requirements on their backs like beasts of burden; and will he not do something to broaden these roads to relieve the people from this sort of life and introduce humane conditions? Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the county councils of Ross and Cromarty and Inverness have taken up the question of these footpaths without success, and will he try to get into touch with the county councils, the Ministry of Transport, and the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, in order to solve the problem?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am not aware of the particular facts to which my hon. Friend has referred, but, in view of what he has told me to-day, and of the grave issue which he has raised, I will inquire into the matter with him.
Mr. RAMSAYWhen the right hon. Gentleman goes on a tour with the "Minna,"will he go and see some of these footpath townships for himself and ascertain the kind of life which these people have to submit to?