§ DR. R. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether his attention has been directed to statements with reference to the injury threatened to the Falls of Foyers by the operations of an aluminium company, and, whether he will take steps to prevent the destruction of one of the most beautiful natural objects in the country?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYThe question, I believe, is identical with one put to the late Secretary for Scotland in May last. I can add nothing to the reply which he then gave. He pointed out that it was entirely beyond the powers of the Government to deal with this question in the sense suggested by the hon. Member in his question.
§ Dr. FARQUHARSONAs this is a question of national importance, cannot the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry 174 into the actual condition of things, and find out what damage has really been done?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI believe an inquiry was made by the late Secretary for Scotland, and I shall be glad to take steps to give to the hon. Gentleman any information which he obtained. An inquiry which cannot be followed by any executive action would seem to be rather illusory at the present time. ["Hear, hear!"]