§ 12. Mr. THOMAS RAMSAYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will endeavour to get the appropriate bodies concerned to make increased provision for roads and motor ambulance vehicles as a means of dealing with medical and surgical cases in the Outer Hebrides in all weathers and at all times; and will he also consider the desirability of approaching the proper authority for the provision of a small aeroplane or seaplane to carry a qualified doctor or surgeon to the dwelling-house or local hospital where a patient is dangerously ill?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)My right hon. Friend has already communicated with the hon. Member regarding roads, and if the hon. Member will furnish me with a note of the districts in the Outer Hebrides where he considers the existing motor ambulance provision could be supplemented with benefit to the local medical services, I shall be glad to look into the matter. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 25th instant to the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood). The use of aeroplanes for ambulance purposes in the Highlands and Islands is being considered by the Department of Health.