§ 19. Mr. Brewisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to introduce legislation to enable county councils to take measures to prevent flood damage.
§ Mr. MaclayLgislation 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. BrewisWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in 1954 there was a flooding disaster in Creetown in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright? Since then it has not been possible to take any effective action and a repetition is to be feared. Will he press on with this legislation as fast as he can?
§ Mr. MaclayI recognise that the present position is unsatisfactory, and it is because of that that legislation is being considered.
§ Mr. T. FraserIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the position is just as unsatisfactory as when we last had the Land Drainage (Scotland) Bill before Parliament. On that occasion he and his hon. Friends strongly resisted the efforts made by the Opposition to improve the Bill by incorporating provisions to overcome this unsatisfactory position.
§ Mr. MaclayIt has always been realised that a different and separate type of legislation would be required to achieve the purpose that the hon. Member has in mind.