§ 40. Mr. Manuelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to introduce land drainage legislation.
§ Mr. LeburnLegislation on the drainage of agricultural land in Scotland was enacted as recently as 1958. Legislation to confer powers on local authorities in Scotland to carry out works to prevent flooding is under consideration, but I cannot say when it will be possible to introduce a Bill.
§ Mr. ManuelIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I got a similar Answer on this Question when I was previously in the House six years ago? Is he aware that there is still much flooding in Scotland and that the existing legislation is not strong enough to get compulsory action to obviate the flooding, not only of houses, but of much agricultural land? Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the position in the Garnock Valley, in my constituency, where the existing legislation does not give the opportunity to clear up the problem? Will the Under-Secretary look at the statements made in this House by previous Secretaries of State promising legislation of a character that would enable us to tackle this problem?
§ Mr. LeburnOf course, I will look at that, but I am sorry that at this stage I cannot promise to introduce legislation to meet the hon. Member's wishes.