§ 22. Mr. Manuelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to introduce legislation to deal with the recurring problem of flooding in many areas in Scotland.
§ 24. Mr. Malcolm Macphersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will introduce legislation to enable the Government to undertake greater responsibility for action in cases of flooding in rural areas.
§ Mr. J. StuartAs the hon. Members are aware, discussions on the agricultural drainage problem have taken place with the interested organisations, but I regret that so far it has not been possible to devise an acceptable solution.
§ Mr. ManuelIs the Secretary of State aware that I have been receiving that 2576 answer ever since I entered the House in 1950? Is he also aware that this problem of flooding applies to more than purely agricultural areas, and that homes are being flooded in Scotland each time we have severe rain? If he cannot introduce legislation, can he not deal with special cases on their merits, to avoid extreme hardship taking place each winter in Scotland, with nothing being done about it?
§ Mr. StuartI shall be very glad to help in cases of extreme hardship. I believe that local authorities already do this. As I said in my answer, I regret that a solution has not been reached which would enable me to introduce legislation. I am sorry that the reply which the hon. Member has received has always been to that effect, but that does not mean that it is an inaccurate reply.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonIs my right hon. Friend aware that this question has caused real disquiet? Would he consider making a statement at some time, indicating where the difficulties of reaching agreement lie, so that we can argue the whole question out and try to contribute to a general solution of this matter?
§ Mr. StuartI shall certainly consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.