§ 38. Mr. Manuelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many schemes have been made by local authorities arising from the provisions of the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act, 1961; and how many schemes he has confirmed.
§ Mr. G. CampbellNine have been made. Seven of these have been confirmed, and the other two are at present going through the normal statutory procedure.
§ Mr. ManuelIs the Joint Under-Secretary of State aware that there is much loss of good arable land because of periodic flooding in many parts of Scotland? Is he further aware that this flooding also destroys many crops and agricultural buildings? Will he do what he can to persuade local authorities to carry out the provisions of the 1961 Act so that land may be reclaimed?
§ Mr. CampbellI think that the hon. Member will recall—we both served on the Standing Committee which deal with the Bill which became the 1961 Act—that the Act refers to non-agricultural land. On this land schemes may be made. This is permissive, and I have no reason to believe that local authorities are not doing all they should in this direction.