HC Deb 22 March 1895 vol 31 cc1688-9
MR. A. C. MORTON (Peterborough)

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether the County Council and the Road Board have yet come to any decision as to the threatened interference with the Falls of Foyers?

THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Sir G. O. TREVELYAN,) Glasgow, Bridgeton

In reply to the hon. Member, I am informed by the county clerk of Inverness-shire that Foyers Road Board, at a meeting on 8th current, postponed consideration of the proposal to submerge roads till May meeting; meantime calling on Aluminium Company to submit to Board plans and sections of proposed works, to enable them to judge whether district would be injuriously affected thereby.

MR. A. C. MORTON

Will my right hon. Friend say whether they have to present a plan of the works as well as of the roads?

SIR G. O. TREVELYAN

The words are "plans and sections of the proposed works."

DR. MACGREGOR (Inverness-shire)

Is it a fact that the Chairman of the Committee and Roads Board is also factor to the landlord? I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not think that this is a fair case for inquiry by the Secretary for Scotland?

SIR G. O. TREVELYAN

I believe that gentlemen interested are on the Roads Board in this and other cases, but it will be impossible for me to take away any functions from the Roads Board on that account.

DR. MACGREGOR

Assuming that the County Council of London sought to divert the River Thames into another channel, would it not form a legitimate case for Parliamentary enquiry, the principle being the same?

MR. A. C. MORTON

asked whether these gentlemen would have a right to vote on the county Roads Board?

SIR G. O. TREVELYAN

That is a fair matter for inquiry. My own impression is that they could not be deprived of that right except if they were engaged in some contract in relation to the business of the Roads Board itself.