HC Deb 01 March 1938 vol 332 cc892-3
8. Mr. M. MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the water supply in the district of Garrabost, Isle of Lewis, is contaminated through lack of proper drainage; whether the Stornoway Trust, as proprietor, is responsible for communal drainage; and what assistance can he offer in having the work carried out in the interest of public health?

Mr. Elliot

The Department of Health for Scotland have asked for a report from the county council on the matters referred to in the question and as soon as this is received I shall communicate with the hon. Member.

Mr. MacMillan

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that he will take the same steps as he promised in every other case of water contamination brought to his notice, of which there are many?

Mr. Elliot

That is a different question.

9. Mr. M. MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that several districts in the Western Isles have inadequate and contaminated water supplies; whether his promised review of this matter is yet completed; whether he will treat it as a matter of great urgency; and what practical steps he is at present taking to provide for safe and convenient supplies?

Mr. Elliot

I am aware that the water supplies at a number of places in the Western Isles are not satisfactory. I understand that the County Council of Inverness expect shortly to have before them the results of the engineering survey into the water supplies and resources in North Uist to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member on 30th November, 1937. As regards the last part of the question, it is for the local authorities concerned to consider the provision of proper water supplies in their area.

Mr. MacMillan

In view of the fact that in many areas local authorities have not taken any steps for many long years, during which there are these glaring instances, will the right hon. Gentleman bring some pressure to bear on these local authorities whose attitude is one of utter irresponsibility?

Mr. Elliot

I think their responsibility in the first instance, as is ours, is to the electors.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his reply is quite inadequate as this is a matter of public health? Will he not give some more definite reply as to what action he intends to take in the interests of the health of the population?