HC Deb 21 July 1938 vol 338 c2412
50. Mr. Robert Gibson

asked the Minister of Health why the Inland Water Survey Committee, set up by the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Scotland in January, 1935, has adjourned its deliberations sine die?

Mr. Elliot

The committee adjourned pending a decision on the question whether grants should be made available to catchment boards for the installation of gauges for measuring the flows of their rivers. The matter is under consideration, and it is hoped to announce a decision shortly.

Mr. Gibson

Is it the case that the Scottish side of this committee has had grants up to the extent of something like £500 and no grants have been made on the English side, and is not that the reason why the committee has reached a deadlock; and will the right hon. Gentleman see that legislative power is obtained in order that the English side of this committee may be able to get contribution in proportion to that on the Scottish side?

Mr. Elliot

I think the hon. and learned Gentleman is under a misapprehension. The question of catchment boards is different in the two countries, there being no catchment board in Scotland.

Mr. Gibson

Is it not the case that the Scottish side has been financing the committee and is it not time that the English side should do its share?

Mr. Elliot

That is a very rash assumption.