§ 27. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he proposes to take any steps by the introduction of legislation or otherwise to bring into effective cultivation the 2,000 acres of land repeatedly flooded and rendered useless by the overflowing of the River Kelvin; and whether he is aware that there are large numbers of unemployed colliers in the district available for any work in dredging the river and raising protective banking from the sludge?
§ Sir J. GILMOURUnder the existing law the situation in the Kelvin Valley can only be dealt with by the riparian owners concerned, and I am informed by the hon. and gallant Member for the Clackmannan and Western Division (Captain Fanshawe), who has been endeavouring to facilitate negotiations with a view to action by the parties concerned, that no Progress has been made in this direction. The Question of legislation is under consideration.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a similar answer to similar questions has been given in this House since 1922?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe matter is one of no small difficulty, and owing to the pressure of other legislation, it has been impossible to deal with the problem.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONAre we to understand that immediately the right hon. Gentle- 1504 man finds a suitable opportunity, he proposes to bring in legislation which will remedy this terrible state of affairs?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe matter is under the very careful consideration of the Department, and, if and when a suitable opportunity arises and we think we have found the proper course. I shall bring it to the House.
§ Mr. HARDIECould not the right hon. Gentleman bring this case under the Public Nuisances Act and get it put right?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, I do not think there is any power.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONHas the right hon. Gentleman any power to deal with this through the Ministry of Transport by reason of the fact that public roads are being continually destroyed by these floods, and public expenditure is incurred in making the roads?