§ Mr. BARRasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the condition of the buildings of the infectious diseases hospital (tuberculosis section) for the burgh of Motherwell and Wishaw owing to subsidence; whether it is within his knowledge that with the view of protecting their property the town council acquired a seam of coal in 1915 at a cost of £750, but found that the cost of complete protection by this method would be prohibitive, and that buildings which cost altogether £22,000 are now damaged and show signs of serious subsidence; and if he will consider whether assistance can be given to the town council for the purpose of restoring the damage?
§ Sir J. GILMOURMy attention has been called to the circumstances referred to in the question. I understand that on technical advice and after consultation with the Department of Health for Scotland the town council have decided to defer permanent measures for the restoration of the damage until the mining operations are finished, and are meantime carrying out only such repairs as are immediately necessary to keep the buildings habitable. No request has been made by the town council for Special financial assistance and, apart from any assistance that may properly be given by the Department of Health from the annual tuberculosis grant, I am not satisfied that there is any ground to justify assistance from national funds.