HC Deb 24 February 1938 vol 332 cc552-3
93. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the memorial recently sent to him by the Association of County Councils in Scotland regarding the urgent need for extended water supplies in the rural areas of Scotland; and whether he is yet in a position to announce the Government's policy on this matter?

Mr. Wedderburn

My right hon. Friend has not yet considered in detail the association's memorial, which is dated 21st February, but I observe that it contains a request that he should meet a deputation, and my right hon. Friend hopes to arrange this in the course of the next few weeks. In regard to the last part of the question, I am not at present in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Stewart

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in many of the rural areas of Scotland the need for water supplies is of the greatest possible urgency?

Mr. Malcolm Macmillan

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the northern counties there are many instances of water supplies which are definitely contaminated and a danger to the health of the people, and that this is a matter of urgency? Will he look into the matter?