HC Deb 12 July 1938 vol 338 cc1091-2
18. Mr. T. Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the most recent overflowing of the River Kelvin flooded the public roads in the neighbourhood to such an extent that the water reached the top of the bonnet of a motor-car; and whether he can indicate what is the cause of the prolonged delay in applying the Scottish Land Drainage Act in the Kelvin Valley area?

Mr. Colville

I am aware that places in the valley of the River Kelvin, in common with a number of other parts of Scotland, experienced flooding in consequence of heavy rains which occurred in the latter part of June. As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, the Department of Agriculture for Scotland have, in terms of the Land Drainage (Scotland) Act, settled a scheme of land drainage for the River Kelvin valley and the statutory procedure in connection therewith is in course of being carried out.

Mr. Johnston

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have been asking questions on this matter for the past two years and can he indicate that this Act will be brought into operation before the dissolution of the present Parliament?

Mr. Colville

The measures necessary to carry out the statutory procedure under the Act of 1930, are as the right hon. Gentleman knows, outside the control of the Department, but I can assure him that as soon as possible the proposals will be laid before Parliament.