asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he has now considered the Report of the Committee appointed to consider the position of the Highlands and Islands under the National Insurance Act; and if he can state if the Government propose at an early date to give effect to the recommendations contained therein?

Was this Committee held under the National Insurance Act?

Yes, I think it was a general Committee—a Treasury Committee—investigating general conditions. I fear I cannot at present add anything to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Perth on this subject yesterday.

In view of the grave anxiety cannot some temporary arrangement be made?

I think all or the great majority of doctors in the Highlands are at present on the panels and are attending sick persons. This Report goes much further than the question of these doctors. It is a very large subject, and I think we must have a few days to consider it.