§ 17. Mr. J. J. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the first phase of the Berwickshire County Water Scheme is likely to be completed; when it is proposed to start the remaining phases; and if, in view of the urgent need for an adequate domestic water supply in the area, he will now agree to the whole scheme being proceeded with immediately.
Mr. McNeilIt is hoped that the first phase of the Berwickshire watch water scheme will be completed by mid-1952, and that thereafter work on the Earnscleugh water scheme and the second phase of the watch water scheme will proceed concurrently,
§ Mr. RobertsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that this delay is seriously holding up the agricultural and industrial development of that area; and cannot further speedy action be taken to complete the whole scheme quickly?
Mr. McNeilI understand my hon. Friend's preoccupation, but I should remind him that the authorisation for Berwickshire already represents 6 per cent. of the total water and drainage schemes for all Scotland.
§ 19. Mr. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the latest figures of the number of new houses approved but not begun owing to lack of water, for agricultural workers and general needs respectively, since 1945, in 2078 the county of Berwick, including the burghs.
Mr. McNeilNo houses for which tenders have been approved are at present being held up for lack of water.
§ 22. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what Highland schemes of water supply have received grants of 85 per cent.
Mr. McNeilAs the list of schemes is necessarily lengthy I propose, with permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Lord Malcolm Douglas-HamiltonWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that so far as the seven crofter counties are concerned, the longer the list is the better?
§ Following is the information:
| RURAL WATER SUPPLIES AND SEWERAGE ACT, 1944 | |
| HIGHLAND COUNTIES | |
| Schemes on which grant is payable at 85 per cent. | |
| County | Name of Scheme |
| Argyll | Campbeltown, Stewarton, Drumlemble, Machrihanish (part) |
| Ellenabeich | |
| Inellan—Buthkollidar | |
| Balvicar | |
| Lochaline | |
| Muasdale (part) | |
| Kilmichael Glassary | |
| Cairndow | |
| Portnahaven and Port Wemyss | |
| Carradale | |
| Caithness | Loch Calder Regional |
| Stroma | |
| Daliburgh (South Uist) | |
| Inverness | Balivanich |
| Boat of Garten | |
| Nethybridge | |
| Calcabock | |
| Orkney | Kirbister |
| Hoy | |
| Boardhouse | |
| Burn of Woodwick | |
| Ross and Cromarty | Eye Peninsula (Lewis) |
| Four Lewis Groups | |
| Easter Ross | |
| Gairloch | |
| Nostie | |
| Ullapool | |
| Ardgay | |
| Sutherland | Helmsdale |
| Loth and Portgower | |
| MeIness | |
| Loch Clash Pier | |
| Zetland | Whalsay |
| Dunrossness and Gulberwick | |
| Unst | |
| Burra |