HC Deb 07 February 1939 vol 343 cc714-5
1. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any proposals have recently been placed before him by the county councils of Ross-shire and Inverness for communal water supplies in the Isle of Lewis and the Southern Isles of the Outer Hebrides; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part, therefore, does not arise.

Mr. MacMillan

In view of the fact that there has been a deterioration already in the conditions of water supply in these islands, will not the right hon. Gentleman take some action with the local authorities in the matter?

Mr. Colville

I am aware of the difficulty experienced in that area, but the question of expense has a large influence on the matter.

Mr. J. J. Davidson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the lack of water facilities there is acting against air-raid precautions?

Mr. MacMillan

Has the only objection of the right hon. Gentleman arisen in connection with finance; is it not a matter of public health also?