HC Deb 25 July 1933 vol 280 cc2399-400
33. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the communication sent to him from the Midland and Scottish Air Ferries, Limited, with regard to the proposal for an air ambulance service between the Western Isles and Glasgow for the conveyance of urgent cases to the city hospitals; is he aware that the company are prepared to co-operate with the Department of Health and the St. Andrew's Ambulance Association in any scheme which will facilitate the removal of urgent cases to the hospitals; and will he call a conference of the parties con- cerned with a view to the establishment of the service?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question, the Department of Health propose to arrange a meeting with representatives of the Midland and Scottish Air Ferries, Limited, to discuss the experience which the Company have already gained in operating an air ambulance service in the Highlands and Islands.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the British Red Cross Society, in conjunction with the Government, has already supplied an aeroplane for the Manchester district and that there is also one flying from Croydon on a service of this kind; and Willy then should there be this holding-up of something similar in Scotland?

Mr. SKELTON

So far from there being any holding-up of the matter, we are engaged in inquiring into it.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that I have been raising this matter on the Floor of the House for the past two months; and has he only reached the stage of inquiring into it?

Mr. SKELTON

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend for the steps he has taken.

Mr. THOMAS RAMSAY

Will the hon. Gentleman see, that in all matters affecting the medical and surgical services of the Western Isles, due regard will always be paid to the views of the local medical officers and of the boards of management of the various hospitals in the Isles, who have had practical experience of such cases in the past; and will he also consider the views of the local district councils who know the geographical and transport conditions?

Mr. SKELTON

In previous answers to the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood) I have laid emphasis on the difficulties. All relevant considerations will of course be taken into consideration.