§ 1. Captain W. T. Shawasked the Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland if the details of the compromise with the 652 county of Dumbartonshire in respect of the Loch Sloy hydro-electric scheme have now been agreed; and if he will say what they are.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Allan Chapman)My Noble Friend is informed that discussions between the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and the County Council of Dunbarton are still proceeding, and I am not in a position to make any statement.
§ Captain ShawDoes my hon. Friend appreciate the fact that the secret bargain with the Dumbartonshire County Council was only made a few minutes before the Prayer was due to be discussed; and does he not see that, in order to ensure that this Order as presented to the House has not been amended behind the back of Parliament, the details should be published; and if he cannot get these from the Board will he ask the lawyers of the County Council to produce them so that we may see that Parliamentary Privilege has not been infringed?
§ Mr. ChapmanThat is another question. Discussions are proceeding on the details now.
§ Mr. McKinlayIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the County Council of Dumbarton are quite willing that the work should proceed?
§ Captain ShawWill the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the work will not be allowed to proceed until these details have been made public?