HC Deb 25 January 1955 vol 536 cc12-3
21. Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of insanitary conditions at the infant department lavatories in the playground of Lanark Grammar Secondary School, which have been the subject of a parents' petition and of public complaint for five years, and which are the cause of an epidemic of dysentery; and what steps he proposes to take.

Mr. J. Stuart

I am aware that these infant lavatories are not satisfactory, but there is no evidence to suggest that their state has been the cause of any of the cases of dysentery which have occurred recently. I am considering as a matter of urgency proposals for the improvement of the lavatories which the education authority wish to carry out.

Mr. Maitland

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his Department has been considering this as a matter of urgency for five years, that the standard of sanitation is inferior to that of Lanark market, and that these lavatories are truly oriental in their squalor? Can we have an assurance that his Department will now treat this urgent matter as truly urgent?

Mr. Stuart

I do mean that it should be improved, but there are a great many things which should be done. I do not, however, agree with my hon. Friend that 24 notifications, not all of which have been confirmed, represent an epidemic.