§ 17. Mr. BROOKEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to say whether he has reached agreement amongst the interests affected by his proposals for the better drainage of the Kelvin Valley; and if he can say when the scheme will be commenced?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe Department of Agriculture have a draft scheme in preparation which will very shortly be advertised. I am informed that negotiations are proceeding.
§ Mr. BROOKEIs there any possibility of this scheme being started this year, and can the hon. Gentleman give any indication as to the number of men likely to be employed?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONI should not care to venture upon a definite statement of that kind. All I can say is that the Department is endeavouring by every means in its power to ensure that the scheme will be operated during the summer months—indeed, it is in those months alone that such a scheme could be operated—and the number of men employed will depend upon the precise form of the scheme.