§ 26. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why piped water supplies are still unavailable for the people who live and work in Strathnaver, Kildonan, Achmelvich, Recharm, Culkein, Drumbeg, Sleastary, Migdale, Astle, Coull, Skelbo, Torboll, East Langwell, West Langwell, Rhilochan, Knockarthur, and Morness, all in the county of Sutherland; and when he intends to Temedy this situation.
§ Mr. NobleSutherland County Council has naturally dealt first with the needs of new housing and the more populous communities. A scheme for Drumbeg is under construction. One for Skelbo and another covering East Langwell, West Langwell, Knockarthur and Morness are at present being considered by the council.
271 I shall be happy to consider giving grant towards schemes for any of these areas, but as some isolated groups of houses are involved it may be impracticable in all cases to provide piped supplies at a reasonable cost.
§ Sir D. RobertsonDoes my right hon. Friend realise that the Romans introduced piped water 2,000 years ago and that in the Middle Ages London, Bristol and Bath and other cities had it? We are now in the twentieth century, and is it not wholly wrong that these historic straths and townships should be left once again without piped water supplies? Does he wonder that the North is becoming more and more depopulated? Will he not stand up to the duty imposed on the Secretary of State for Scotland to provide for adequate water supplies throughout the country?
§ Mr. NobleThe Highland counties as a whole have made very good progress with their water schemes. I will be as generous as I can in helping Sutherland County Council once it has schemes ready.