§ 42. Commander COCHRANEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the difficulties in connection with the improvement of water supplies in rural areas in Scotland; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ 43. Lord SCONEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that during the past summer the water supply of a number of Scottish small towns and country districts failed either partially or totally; and whether he will confer with the local authorities concerned with a view to taking steps to augment the present supplies, and thus avoid a repetition of the inconvenience which this year's drought caused?
§ Mr. SKELTONMy right hon. Friend is aware of the need for improving the water supplies in many rural areas in Scotland, and as already announced, it has been decided to make a Government grant available for the purpose. My right hon. Friend proposes to direct the special attention of local authorities to the matter and to urge them to carry out works of improvement with the assistance which the grant will offer to them.