§ 13. Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the recent meeting convened by the Department of Health of representatives of the county council and burghs of Fife agreed in general about the proposed regional water supply scheme; that the burghs seem now prepared to take advantage of the scheme provided they are dealt with on a consumer basis; and whether he will, without delay, state whether the Government intend to grant financial assistance for the scheme and so remove the only obstacle to progress?
§ Sir G. COLLINSAs the result of the meeting referred to the Department of Health have asked the burghs for an estimate of their probable future water needs. This information is to be communicated to the county council with a view to sectional conferences being held between the county and the other authorities concerned. When these conferences have taken place the whole position will be further reviewed.
Mr. STEWARTDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean that we may still hope for a Government grant to expedite this work?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI can give no under-taking about any Government grant, but, as the hon. Member knows, finance is not the only obstacle to a complete solution of this problem.