HC Deb 22 June 1903 vol 124 cc73-4
MR. MUNRO FERGUSON (Leith, Burghs)

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether the lack of sufficient provision for sanitation in the West Fife coalfield, coupled with the stream pollution there, has attracted the attention of the Scottish Office; whether the Secretary for Scotland is satisfied that the Scottish Local Government Board exercises adequate supervision in such cases over the action of the local authorities, or whether he proposes to render the Edinburgh Board effective to deal with the lack of sanitation in such growing districts.

THE SOLICITOR-GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND (Mr. SCOTT DICKSON,) Glasgow, Bridgeton

The question of the pollution of the streams in the West of Fife has been under consideration by the Local Government Board. An inquiry has been ordered and will be undertaken at the earliest possible time. In reply to the second Question the answer is in the affirmative, having regard to the extent of the powers conferred upon that Board by statute. Any additional powers can only be given by legislation, and the Secretary for Scotland cannot at present undertake any obligation in regard to it.

MR. MUNRO FERGUSON

Perhaps the Solicitor-General will inquire as to the powers exercised by the English Local Government Board in this direction.

MR. SCOTT DICKSON

Yes, I will make that inquiry.