§ Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the population of the Island of Stroma; how long have the people there been without the services of a qualified resident nurse; what is the total amount per week of National Insurance contributions paid by the residents; what National Health Services are provided on the island; whether 139W a doctor visits the island regularly each week; and what are the other responsibilities on the mainland of this doctor.
§ Mr. WoodburnThe population of the island is about 95, and there has been no resident nurse since May, 1949. As at most 10d. of any National Insurance contribution goes towards the cost of the National Health Service, the income under this head in respect of insured residents on the island probably does not exceed £2 weekly. All residents on the island are of course entitled to the full range of National Health Service facilities, including transport to hospital where necessary. Family doctor services are provided by the doctor at Canisbay, on the mainland. He visits the Island when required and can be summoned by wireless telegraph and telephone. He has just under 1,000 patients in all on his National Health Service list.